June 28 - July 5, 2009
Vermont Vocal Arts Institute
Find Your Voice!
Founder & Executive Director, JASON KIRCHICK
As a young tenor, Jason toured in numerous concert venues and recitals throughout New England as well as overseas. He has taught and directed church and youth group choruses in New England, and has produced his own concert series as a fundraiser for cancer research. As founder and director of VVAI, he is once again channeling his love of music and his talent as a mentor of young people to create this opportunity for young singers to explore their talents and love of singing.
About the Program
FIND YOUR IDENTITY AS A SINGER
This concentrated program, led by Lisa Sheldon of the Boston Conservatory, is designed to build your performance skills in a short time. Limited enrollment allows for individualized and small group instruction from Boston Conservatory graduates who are successful performers in their own right. You’ll get a taste of what it’s like to study with college level instructors in a real college environment. Feel greater confidence as a performer. Leave singing better than ever..
CLASSES HELD DAILY AT JOHNSON STATE COLLEGE WILL INCLUDE:
- Intensive two hour master classes with Lisa Sheldon
- Classes in yoga, breath and body awareness
- Acting and improvisation classes
- Individual and small group coaching in audition and performance techniques
- Access to Johnson State College’s staffed, state-of-the-art music technology lab
- Nightly “TalentShare” leading up to the grand finale “All Star Showcase” concert
Faculty
Lisa Sheldon Artistic Director
Lisa is an accomplished vocal artist and instructor. She has extensive experience training singers for television and theater, including 2006 American Idol finalist Katherine McPhee and S.J. Hannah (Simba in Disney’s Lion King theatre company). Currently part of the voice faculty at the Boston Conservatory, one of the top musical theater schools in the country, Lisa has also taught voice at the Berklee School of Music and Emerson College’s School of the Performing Arts. Her unique approach focuses on body-centered techniques that free the voice, helping vocalists reach their full potential as performers.
Melissa Capezzuto Yoga, Breath and Body Work
Melissa has practiced yoga for more than a decade. A Penn State graduate, she received her formal training as a certified Vinyasa Flow instructor at Frog Lotus in the Berkshires. Her classes incorporate music to enhance the flow of movement and help cultivate strength, serenity and balance— vital to mastering your vocal abilities and developing an unforgettable onstage presence.
Adjunct Faculty from Boston Conservatory
Lisa will be assisted by a staff drawn from Boston Conservatory’s highly acclaimed musical theatre program. They will work with each singer on audition and stage performance techniques, breath and body awareness, movement and acting.
TOP-RATE ACCOMMODATIONS
Students will stay at the The Round Hearth, a nationally recognized youth group
lodge nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains in the famous New England village
of Stowe, Vermont. A "college-style" bunk facility specifically designed to host youth
programs, the Round Hearth is ideally configured to maximize your learning and
training-and to provide you with the very best food and relaxation opportunities.
THE LODGE OFFERS spectacular
views and full amenities, including:
- Private single sex dormitories
- All you can eat home-cooked meals & fresh salad bar
- 24 hour support staff & nightly curfews
- Outdoor hot tubs & watering holes
- Billiard parlor & game room
- Cookout w/ Ben & Jerry's Smorgasbord
- Plenty of practice & rehearsal time!
Testimonials
“Lisa Sheldon was my voice teacher for my four year undergraduate career at The Boston Conservatory. When I arrived, my potential was evident but tension was obstructing my progress. One by one, she pinpointed my areas of tension and showed me what to do to alleviate them. I owe the classical voice I have now to her! In addition to the exquisite vocal technique she teaches, her personal skills made the whole experience of studying with her even better. She really cared, and was genuinely invested in me. Her faith in me, my voice, and my progress truly made my college career the joy that it was. I wouldn’t be where I am without her!”
Laura Saenz
“Our son John is currently a junior at the Boston Conservatory. Under Lisa Sheldon’s tutelage and guidance, John has reached a level of proficiency that far exceeds our expectations. In Lisa’s studio, John has fourished, growing as an artisT and performer, and respecting the commitment needed for the musical theater profession. We are confident that the preparation and vocal training John has received will serve him well when he begins his professional career. We feel John is very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with Lisa.”
John Farchione
“My daughter, Catherine, has had the privilege of taking voice lessons with Lisa Sheldon through her middle school and high school years. With Lisa’s inspiration and teaching Catherine has grown in her ability, confidence and passion for music and performance. Lisa has the unique ability to help her students explore their talents and find their strengths.Catherine has enjoyed having Lisa as a mentor and friend.”
Beth Buchholz
“After taking voice lessons with Lisa for so many years, I feel that she has become more then just a voice teacher, she is a friend. She has helped me become more confident and comfortable on stage and off. Lisa has helped me to develop my voice and broaden my abilities.”
Cat Buchholz
WHAT STUDENTS LIKE ABOUT VVAI...
- “Fun teachers, students, atmosphere, roomies, & lodge!”
- “It was an awesome experience!”
- “VVAI focuses on every student individually, instead of as a group whole. We became a family in one week!”
- “I’ve never worked with more charismatic and fun people!”
How To Register
To register online, click the register button below. $300 non-refundable confirmation deposit is required to register.
You will receive immediate confirmation of your registration by U.S. Mail. A full Confirmation Package detailing important information regarding participation will arrive 8-10 weeks prior to camp start date.
Program Cost:
Tuition: $745
Housing & Meals: $550
Total: $1295
