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Workshops:

Parissa's Workshops | Carl's Workshops

PARISSA'S CHOIRS
New Choir in Murwillumbah - April 30
Due to popular demand, Parissa will be starting a choir up in Murwillumbah. We'll be singing mainly, but not exclusively, world music gems. No experience needed, focus on a joyous singing experience.

When: Starts APRIL 30th for 10 weeks - Wednesdays 7 - 8.30pm

Where: The Autumn Club, next to library, 16 Tumbulgum Street

Cost: $150 for 10 week term, $17 casual visit

For more info: 66808878 contact@parissabouas.com

The Ruby Tuesdays - NEW 9 week term starts May 6
Now's the time to join Byron's latest, grooviest choir.

When: Tuesday 7 - 8.30pm

Where: Byron Community Centre, upstairs

Cost: $150 for 10 week term, $17 casual visit

'Bring a bloke' incentive - if you bring a bloke for a term, you get $10 off next term.

For more info: 66808878 contact@parissabouas.com

SING OUT workshop - Byron Bay
"Rosella Jam" is a long-established a'capella choir dedicated to creating an opportunity for all people to experience the power of singing together. They are hosting a 4-star weekend singing workshop for all who love to sing.

The beautiful Parissa Bouas (of The Hottentots and musical director of the "Ruby Tuesday" choir in Byron Bay) teams up with Gold Coast's Tanna Kjaer-Dona (of "8 Feet There" and musical director of "Rosella Jam" and "Beaudesert Shire Choir").

Parissa and Tanna are two motivated and energetic women dedicated to spreading the joy of song. They combine their expertise and individual gifts to facilitate this much sought-after workshop.

It will be held at the luxurious 4-star Peppers Casuarina Lodge in the Byron Hinterland. The workshop commences Friday night on 30th May at 7.00pm and finishes at 3pm on Sunday afternoon the 1st June. Day guests are also welcome. (A 'day guest ticket' includes all meals and workshops for just $295.)

This workshop is for like-minded people who wish to connect, have fun and sing their hearts out. "SING OUT" workshops provide a unique and valuable outlet for artistic expression (even if you think you don't have any!). The workshop is held at a sanctuary where guests will be nurtured with delicious food and uplifting surroundings. They will experience body percussion, rhythm and vox, exquisite harmonies and much more.

People wishing to treat themselves and be part of "SING OUT" at Peppers should book now to avoid disappointment.

Contact: Marsha Gusti 07 55982880 Email: mgusti@bigpond.net.au www.rosellajam.com

Download flyer here (364kb .jpeg image)

SUNDAY SINGUPS
A fun day of singing at the Ewingsdale Hall.
Warm ups and voice improvers, vocal games, vocal jams, harmonies and simple songs, in English and other languages. No experience necessary. Bring a picnic lunch and some water. Herbal teas will be provided.
For the next 'Sunday Singup' please phone Parissa on 6680 8878

If that's not enough singing for you, I'll be giving private tuition on WEDNESDAYS from my Sunrise Beach Studio.
Ring to book a time. Tel: +61 2 6680 8878 ~ 0421 330 766 Email: thehottentots@thehottentots.com


Apart from being an excellent performer and singer, Parissa has an innate ability for teaching. Her enthusiasm for her subject is inspiring and her hallmark generosity on stage extends to her students. Parissa has over 10 years experience as a voice coach, at all levels: community choirs, with children, at festivals & tertiary institutions, privately and in groups. She is particularly talented with rhythm and passionate about Latin music. Parissa has many tools in her kit for maintaining 'safe' voicing whilst encouraging students to express their whole range of sounds, as well as bringing whole body movement and polyrhythm into the process.

With prior notice most workshops can cater to small, medium and infinite numbers of people, and others can be devised for special projects. Running times are suggestions and can be altered following discussions. For some workshops with large numbers basic amplification may be needed.

In Australia, Parissa is amongst the most highly trained in the acclaimed Jo Estill singing technique.

Vocal workshops on offer:

1. Everyone Can Sing
A feel good vocal workshop where people are encouraged to express through the voice with imitation games, sirens, group vocal improvisation, toning, harmonising, body movement and singing of songs.
Running Time: 1- 2hrs Numbers: 10-unlimited

2. Vocally Challenged/Absolute Beginners
For people who have little vocal confidence and "bad" pitch. During the workshop we look at ways to correct pitch, how it "feels" to be in tune, how harmony "feels", holding your note in a crowd, and sing simple chants and songs; all the while providing a very safe atmosphere and healing group vibe. Works best with a follow up session with the same group.
Running Time: 1 - 2hrs Numbers: 5-10

3. Into Your Body, Out of Your Mouth
A voice and rhythm workshop for people who want the added challenge of rhythmic games and singing. Warm ups done for voice and body co-ordination. Group vocal improvisation explained and experimented with. No previous singing experience needed.
Running Time: 1 - 2hrs Numbers: 10 - unlimited

4. Group /Choral Consultation
For established groups, i.e. church singers and community choirs. It incorporates conducting skills, parts balancing, vocal technique where necessary and new repertoire.
Running Time: 2hrs Numbers: determined by group size

5. Managing Performance Anxiety
For everyone, including instrumentalists, or public speakers. Beginners in particular stand to benefit from learning the tricks that seasoned performers use to improve their performances. The workshop explores the causes of anxiety, offers ideas to channel the anxiety in a constructive manner and provides practical relaxation techniques.
Running Time: 1 - 2hrs Numbers: 10 - unlimited

6. Rhythm & Vox
Explore polyrhythm with the voice and the whole body. A wonderfully energetic and inspiring class, suitable for all levels. Totally safe, fun and nurturing, whilst challenging you to new, unimagined heights. A hit at the 2002 Daylesford Singer's Festival & 2003 Woodford Folk Festival.
Running Time: minimum 1 hr, prefer 2hrs Numbers: 10 - 250 (above 20 people needs PA)

7. Small Hand Percussion
Maracas/tambourines/guiros/triangles/caxixi/bells/clapsticks/shekeres. Parissa is a skilled percussionist & whatever you have that you can shake, scrape or tap, she will show you how to make the most of it. Bring small hand percussion instruments.
Running Time: 2 hrs Numbers; 10 - 20

8. Latin Songs & Rhythms NEW!
Bring along something to shake, scrape or tap and learn some songs and rhythms from Latin America. No musical experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to be surprised by how quickly it can all come together.
Running Time: 1 1/2 - 2 hrs Numbers: 10 - unlimited

 

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Parissa's Workshops | Carl's Workshops

 

An excellent guitarist, singer, songwriter and story teller, Carl has performed in almost every continent, recording 2 acclaimed albums in Brazil and four albums with the Hottentots in Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Contemporary Music Composition, and an Honours degree in African Music, studying under the esteemed musicologist John Blacking.

He is currently guest-lecturer in World Music at Southern Cross University and runs courses in Song writing at festivals. Carl's workshops can be tailored to 2 hours, 4 hours, 1 day , weekend intensives and ongoing weekly workshops that are suitable for beginners to intermediate level songwriters.

Lyric writing | Ideas development | Titles Rhyme | Word Play | Song Structures | Meter

Hints to get your creativity flowing

Recordings

Tarab - Travels with my guitar 2008 (Aus)

All Alone 2007 (Aus)

Turn Back The Tide 2004 (Aus)
(The Hottentots)

Graceful 2001 (Aus)
(The Hottentots)

The Voice of Your Heart 1998 ( Aus)
(Hottentot Party)

A Small World 1994 (Aus)
(Hottentot Party)

Love is a Phantom 1987 (Brazil)

African Lion 1984 (Brazil)

 

 

 

 

Awards

Australian Songwriters Association
Best Lyrics 2007

Music Oz Award
Best Folk 2006

NCEIA Award
Best Folk 2005

Australian Songwriter's Association Award for:

Best Coffee House 2003

Winner of the NCEIA Award for :

Best Folk/World 2001 with Parissa Bouas
Best World Music '99
Best Album '98 (The Hottentots)
Best Folk Song '97
Best Album '94 (The Hottentots)
Best Acoustic Song '93 with Parissa Bouas
Best World Music Song '92

Jingle of the Year 1984, Brazil