February is Black History Month-an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black communities, listen to their stories, and learn more about their history and contributions. This year, the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts is offering a Black History Month vocal workshop with Adèle M. Wilding, Celebration of Spirituals and West Indian Song on Saturdays from February 1-22 from 2-3:30 pm.

In this unique vocal experience, students will learn field songs, work songs and popular and lesser known vocal gems from the West Indies through the aural-oral method of song acquisition, based on West African musical practices. Techniques such as call and response and use of body percussion will be covered. There will be three weeks of learning songs, and week four will consist of a rehearsal and song sharing class. No previous experience is required, but the ability to sing harmony would be an asset.

To read Classic 107’s post about Adèle’s class, click here.