PowerUP MESSAGE FROM KAREN BURKE
On behalf of the Toronto Mass Choir, welcome to PowerUp 2021! Every time I think about PowerUp, I get a big smile on my face! The excitement, the networking, the music and so many uplifting and engaging experiences! For the past 17 years, TMC has worked hard to elevate and expand access to gospel music in Canada supported by York University and a hard-working team of volunteers.
The decision to deliver PowerUp 2021 online was definitely a daunting task. However, we believe that we have put together a stellar experience that embraces the online advantages. Every seat is a front-row seat, and we won’t even have to leave the comfort of our homes!
This year, I am teaching the York University Gospel Choir course online. Why? Because gospel choirs are communities in motion and if we ever needed community before--it is now. The Toronto Mass Choir, while sidelined like all other choirs because of the ongoing pandemic, continues to look for creative ways to live out our mandate and stay connected with each other and the world. We are all learning life-long lessons that I believe will strengthen our respective music-making for years to come.
This 17th annual event has been planned with you in mind. Our goal was to create workshops with topics that you need now! We also wanted to avoid ZOOM fatigue and so our new format takes us over two weekends in February with workshops taught only in the evening and on Saturdays.
Because we are online, we are also able to invite more clinicians from abroad and this year we welcome special guest clinicians, Isaac Cates and Trey McLaughlin and several other guests who will be part of an exciting webinar on Saturday, Feb. 13.
For PowerUp’s 15th anniversary, we recorded and released ‘PowerUp Live’, our first live recording. This year, we will have the opportunity to record again but this time, it will be a video – a virtual choir video project! Everyone who registers for the full conference pass is eligible to participate in this exciting journey! Online videos, ZOOM rehearsals and helpful instructions will make it easy for everyone to participate – all you need is your mobile phone, headphones and one other device to play the track! A first for PowerUp!
Be sure to take a look at the new workshops that have been created especially for this online experience. We kick off PowerUp 2021 with an industry panel on Thursday, Feb. 11 for those interested in the ins and outs of the Canadian gospel music scene. We also have other special free ‘add-ons’ this year such as our Sat., Feb. 13 ‘Listening Party’ where you can hear and see the greatest gospel performances of all time.
Thank you for your continued support! We can’t wait to connect and re-connect with you.
Come expecting a blessing! Hallelujah!
About PowerUP
The Toronto Mass Choir is excited to offer an online gospel music workshop for vocalists, instrumentalists, and gospel music enthusiasts of all skill levels. Top professionals in gospel music host workshops that give attendees a chance to improve their musicianship, learn about gospel music in a variety of settings and participate in a virtual choir video projec!. PowerUp is always a unique and powerful experience!
Through a balanced offering of interactive activities and group coaching, you can:
- Develop your musical ear in vocal improvisation
- Learn tips and techniques for maintaining vocal health
- Learn the keyboard techniques and understand the chord structures that create that special “gospel sound”
- Learn to ‘Play by Ear’ on the keyboard
- Learn to Lyrical and Jazz Dance
- Engage in deep conversations with an international group of expert Gospel vocalists and instrumentalists
- Become the music leader that you've always wanted to be!
…and much more!
Photo and Recording Release
Attendees acknowledge that by attending any part of the conference they are agreeing that their picture/likeness may be taken/recorded and they release permission for that picture/likeness to be used by Toronto Mass Choir (TMC). They acknowledge that TMC may use said picture in print media or other forms of visual communication as it sees fit. They attest that they are not entitled to any form of monetary/financial compensation for the use of their likeness, have not been promised such, and recognize TMC need not provide compensation for this use or any other type of use of their picture/likeness.
Testimonials
"I cannot rave enough about the quality of teaching and training packed into an incredible price and schedule. This year provides a wonderful opportunity because POWER UP is coming to YOU! PowerUp is excellent for practical team training on vocals, instruments, choir, band, dance, practical and applicable, vital information for church music teams and individuals. I believe that it should be an annual requirement for every Church Creative Arts Department. Side Bonus: It is SO much fun!!!
Karen Burke and team do an outstanding job! #PowerUp2021"
Amber Shurr
January 6, 2021
Hear the experiences of some of the attendees at our 2018 PowerUp Gospel Music Workshop.