_In this workshop we will work through useful choir arrangement ideas such as the construction of and sonic effect of various harmonic textures, ie unison, octaves, 2, 3 and 4 part harmonies and how these can be enriched by call & response reply lines, ad libs etc. You'll then have the opportunity to put together, in smaller groups, your own spontaneous arrangement of a well-known song using the concepts covered in the workshop and perform then this for the whole group.

_This section will cover the origins of gospel music from slavery through the civil rights movement examining how the genre moved away from standard hymnal practice of the time to a entirely new g enre of music.  During the workshop David will explore the stylings of early gospel artists such as Thomas Dorsey (the father of black gospel music) and Mahilia Jackson (the Queen of Gospel).  This type of gospel combines Christian praise with the rhythms of jazz and blues.

_ Choral Workshop – Gospel Diversity; Bringing Barbershop into Gospel Music
A choir is an amazing musical creation which allows the design of intricate vocal harmonies and showcases the amazing abilities of the human voice. The diversity of styles which can be found within Irish Gospel Choirs draws from the fact there is a relatively young gospel scene here in Ireland as choirs and individuals we draw on our own musical backgrounds and bring these to our gospel choirs. These stylistic differences make the Irish Gospel Scene truly unique and are something which we should cherish and develop. Barbershop is a musical style which could bring a new flare to some of our old gospel favourites. This workshop will explore how to develop those identifiable barbershop harmonies and choral presentation styles. Come ready to sing something really new!

_Coming from a classical background but having a real love and understanding of gospel, this workshop will focus on creating a beautiful choral sound without loosing the fun and life which gospel choirs embody.  Ross will look at topics such as finding your ‘singers ear’,  the reasons for out of tune singing (and how to prevent it! using effective vocal techniques ) and  basic warm-ups; focusing on breath and supporting the voice.  The workshop will also demonstrate the importance of listening within a choir in order to produce great harmony work and how to work on achieving good vocal production.  You’re gonna be busy in this workshop!

_Want to sing harmonies effortlessly?  It's easier than you think! If you can sing a basic melody or hum a tune, you can learn how to harmonise! This workshop is ideal for anybody who would love to develop this skill, regardless of their level of experience as a singer. During this workshop Anton will show you how to project and sustain notes, understand how harmonies work and learn how to switch between those which are available within the song.  By the end of the session you will be picking your own lines to produce detailed and intricate harmonic works. 

_Urban/contemporary gospel derives primarily from traditional black gospel music, having been influenced by and having an influence on many forms of secular pop music.  This section will explore gospel music stylings from the late 70's on; the music of artists such as the Winans, the Clark sisters, and Kirk Franklin, and how they have influenced gospel music and brought it to wider audiences through their collaborations with modern popular artists.

__In this workshop participants will learn the performance tips that help make solo singers into stars.  Learn vocal techniques that will show you how to deliver songs with power, emotion and conviction.  Learn performance techniques that will improve your ability to connect strongly with an audience.  Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone in order to develop new depths in your performances. Bring along a well-prepared song with printed lyrics and backing track.

_After the success of the last two years Solo Singing – Getting Started workshops we have decided bring Eimear Crehan back to Gospel Rising to bring more solo singers to the microphone! The workshop will concentrate on conquering the fear of singing solo and developing confidence in ones performance. Using fun methods and group work, Eimear will explore what it means to sing out loud, how we can get over our fears and really let go while singing. Last years classes brought tears of joy to attendees as they worked through the fears which has stopped them stepping into the spotlight.  Spaces are limited.

_Modern gospel music is often characterised by strong, dominant vocals performed by a soloist which lead the choir and tell the story of the song. But how do we as soloists become gospel artists? What is the difference between artistry and ministry and how can we balance the two to bring through the meaning of the songs whilst still giving entertaining performances that people want to watch and feel part of?  In this workshop David will examine methods of delivering songs and will look at how song selection can have a huge role to play.

_Every song has a story (actually many stories) to tell and it is our job as singers to tell them.  Once a songwriter pens a song and releases it into the world it falls to us to take it into our hearts and find its true meaning.  The wonder of this task is that every individual approaches a song differently and takes a different significance from it.  Being able to produce an individual reading of a song is a true talent and one which requires a great amount of courage.  Doing so gives new life to songs over and over and over.  Learn to tell your own story at this exciting workshop.

_If you love the thought of being able to freestyle (or 'ad lib') and sing freely as a solo singer, then this workshop is for you!  Anton will use a mix of ear training, simple music theory & experimentation to get you improvising while listening to the changes in music. By the end of the workshop you should have a solid grasp of improvised singing, harmonisation, and various singing styles.

_BUST YOUR MOVES WITH POLISH - Want to tighten your gospel choreography? Want to learn fresh new ways to adapt movement to gospel music? This workshop will take you through movement with a Glee Gospel song.  Sean will lead you through looking to the movement of the choirs in the worldwide T.V. sensation ‘Glee’ for inspiration and will show you how to bring it back to make our gospel choirs sparkle!  Come smiling!

_During this workshop The Gospel Project will give a glimpse into how to go about turning the improvisations and collaborative ideas that develop in rehearsals into fully fledged songs. By deconstructing how they approach composition themselves, and by working with the group to develop ideas in the workshop.  Learn how you can work with a group to develop unique versions of songs and bring a new and distinctive sound to your own choir!  

_Gospel choirs are all about performance.  Getting out there, singing your heart out and really connecting with people.  Before the big performance that your audience sees, there is all the mayhem of getting ready to contend with; the hours of organisation and practice, the nervous energy you can almost see its so palpable, the sheer panic in some cases!  Then you hit the stage and its all about you.  In gospel choirs every single member of the choir is on show, hiding in the back row is no escape!  This workshop looks at all the little topics that occupy your head-space in the lead up to a gig, how to harness the nervous energy all around you and use it to put on the performance of your life every time you sing! 
This workshop will be led by a panel who will discuss and demonstrate tricks of the trade. Topics will include: Costuming and Make up for stage, Vocal Warm Ups, Breathing Exercises, Getting your Energy Right, Presence, Pronunciation and Projection, Interpreting the Songs we Sing, Audience interaction and Making the Perfect Set List, amongst others.