Workshop Descriptions

Song Writing Derby – Stephen Lewis, James Linderman, Ali Matthews

You will have the opportunity to either perform live or play a CD of an original composition and benefit from the panelists’ experience and knowledge of the craft of songwriting. Panelists’ comments are constructive and administered in a helpful and gentle manner. The Demo Derby is a very fun and extremely uplifting highlight within Power Up each year and always provides tremendous encouragement and guidance to songwriting delegates whether you are just starting out or are a more experienced writer.
Bring a song that you can sing, either with or without accompaniment, or provide a CD recording of that song (make certain that the recording plays on a CD player and not just on a computer). Sign up for the opportunity to present your song upon arrival at the Derby. You will learn to specifically improve the song that you present and from the songs presented by others. You will also gain insight into the editing process and take your writing to another level!

Acoustic Guitar for Beginners – Jesse Feyen

Guitarists with basic skills will learn appropriate ways of playing contemporary worship music on acoustic guitar. Using different inversions of basic major and minor chords can quickly expand your options to accompany contemporary worship songs. Put your knowledge into practice by using chord charts from well-known songs guided by Jesse’s long time experience as an instrumentalist and worship leader. Learn also how two guitars can complement one another in a band setting.

Directors’ Session: Help My Choir! – Karen Burke

You will discover that as you learn to be a better conductor, your choir will actually sound better! Learn some of the tried and true methods that Karen has used for over 30 years including effective rehearsal and conducting techniques, and those skills necessary to direct a gospel choir and work with live accompaniment. Time will also be given for a Q&A for the perennial problems that challenge all of us – vocal blend, to audition or not, choosing repertoire and what to do about solos.

Gospel Keys – Advanced – Corey Butler

Learn, from one of the best, the harmonizations and techniques that make a gospel song sound well…like gospel! Explore in a practical setting topics such as: the role of the keyboardist in a band setting, chord structures, improvisation and how to play various styles of gospel music such as Latin gospel, reggae gospel, contemporary gospel and one of the most popular styles of gospel music…‘shout’!

Stage Presence for Soloists (Advanced) – Amoy Levy

Seasoned professional, Amoy Levy, will take you through the nuances of connecting and capturing the attention of your audience. Every soloist needs to know about presentation, preparation, projection, mic technique and how to communicate with your sound engineer i.e. monitor positioning. Tips on voice care, appearance, posture and creative ad-libbing will round out this exciting new workshop for the experienced soloist.

Piano Technique – Beginner – Jesse Feyen

Don’t have much keyboard experience but have always wanted to learn? In this session held in York’s state-of-the-art keyboard lab, be introduced to the notes on the keyboard and begin using basic chords to play simple songs. Guided by our experts, learn that even a limited chord vocabulary can allow you to follow a chord chart.

Let’s Write a Great Song! – James Linderman

Part 1
You will be split up into teams of 2 or 3 and given a single lyric line called a trigger phrase and also a template onto which you will write your own song. James will go from group to group and help facilitate the momentum of the writing and facilitate a rough outline of a complete work.

Part 2
In this follow-up session, you will take the song rough drafts completed in part 1 and the new teams will work them into finished songs. This may be one or more of the same delegates in Part 1 or a whole new team, but the emphasis is on learning the starting or finishing process of writing a song. You should bring either a guitar or use the acoustic pianos available, if playing guitar or piano is part of your writing skill base. For delegates who sing and/or write lyrics, paper and pencils will be provided. James will also be making rough recordings of the songs as they progress through the day.

Discovering the World of Drama – Richard Peters

Scripts From Scriptures
Have you ever been frustrated by the lack of good scripts available for a liturgical setting? Have you ever wished to write a script yourself but just weren’t sure where to start? Embark on an exploration into writing scenes using well known biblical passages and stories as source material and inspiration. Learn to delve and communicate authentically and powerfully through the characters you create!

Make Your Voice Heard
In this workshop you will learn a dozen and more tips and tricks from professional actor Richard Peters that will help you be heard. From the pulpit, from the stage, or from the podium, these tools will help you connect with your audience in clear and compelling fashion.

Make Your Voice Felt
With more ways to connect than we have ever had, it is ironic that humanity is feeling ever more disconnected. In this workshop, explore ways of speaking that will help you touch, move, and inspire your audience.

Gospel Dance/Hip Hop – JJ Gerber

General level worship and gospel dance
In this class you will explore the freedom of the body in terms of worship. The goal is that you leave this class feeling open to worshiping without inhibitions. Dance experience is not required in this class. There will be a mixture of simple dance movement taught, both lyrical and hip hop in nature. There will not be a performance of this. Dress ready to dance. Bare feet, jazz shoes, or running shoes are a good idea for this class – no black soles please.

Intermediate level worship and gospel dance
This class will equip you with performance experience, routine work, and new dance steps to add to your collection. Some dance experience is required but if you’re determined don’t let that stop you! A routine will be taught with the intent of having it performed for the group at the end of the day. Dress ready to dance…NO JEANS. Wear running shoes or shoes you can dance in – no black soles please.

Playing Keys ‘By Ear’ (Intermediate) – Natalie Stewart

Have you ever wanted to learn to ‘play by ear’? Join this exciting session and have the ‘mystery’ taken away from this helpful skill, using the electronic keyboards provided. You will learn how to manipulate root chords and inversions on scale degrees and simple chord progressions. You will also learn to use these chord progressions along with easy tunes. The session may also include learning how to chart simple worship songs using chords.

Singing a New Song – Nicole Sinclair-Anderson

This workshop is for those who are trying to develop their musicianship as gospel vocalists; you will learn to improvise lines over instrumental accompaniment. Participants will also learn how to improve their ear training, ‘own their space’, communicate lyrics while learning stage presence, vocal health tips and how to perform in a small group setting. This workshop allows those who truly would like to become well rounded vocalists to have the chance to do so in a comfortable and encouraging environment. Come prepared with a song to sing! Learn to sing it in a new way!

Transcultural Worship – Pastor Richard Brown

Cities internationally are greatly increasing in their ethnic diversity, and we as the Church need to grow in our ability to reach out to the growing multi-cultural, multi-ethnic peoples inside and outside our church fellowships. Join Pastor Richard Brown as he delivers a dynamic and interactive lecture on the joys and challenges of providing a transcultural worship experience. Helpful information provided through handouts, discussion and Q & A will especially benefit front-line worship leaders including worship team members, though all are welcome!

Vocal Boot Camp 1 & 2 – Cassandra Sommers

Part 1
Designed for those wanting to learn more how about their voice works, Cassandra will deliver a wealth of tips for a healthy voice and effective vocal exercises, warm-ups and techniques to prepare your voice. Cassandra will also offer tips on how to prepare for performances. Group activities are also part of this session.

Part 2
Are you ready to be challenged further? In this session designed for more experienced singers, you will gain an understanding of how to effectively use your head and chest voice. Cassandra will also share exercises to increase your vocal range, how to harmonize and how to maintain energy when performing over a length of time. Want to know how to sing when your voice is not at optimum level? Sign up…group/individual exercises are also part of this session.

Bass Guitar – Tim Ball

Bass is the foundation of the gospel sound. What happens on bass guitar not only helps to drive the harmonic progressions but also locks in with the drums to confirm and support the rhythm. If you are a bass player with some experience who is eager to grab hold of the gospel music style, sign up for this very unique workshop session…limited space so apply early. Bring your own bass guitar…amps are available!

Music Industry Panel

If you are an aspiring gospel artist, this session is for you! Learn about the inner workings of the uniqueness of Canada’s gospel music industry from five panelists: Richard Picart (Marketing), Leroy Miller (Concert Promotion), Oswald Burke (Producer), Ali Matthews (Recording Artist) and Scott Jackson (Radio), all experienced veterans in their respective fields from everything on how to apply for F.A.C.T.O.R. funding to getting your song placed on radio. Come with your questions, leave with a wealth of information!

Power Up Youth Choir – Colette Leader

NEW FOR YOUTH!!! – If you love singing’ and groovin’ to the latest gospel hits, you will want to a part of Power UP’s first-ever Youth Choir! Designed for young people from 12 to 18, this exciting new session involves marrying great gospel lyrics to hip choreographed moves done only as young people can. If you have ever wanted to be part of a Gospel Youth choir and want to ‘kick it up a notch’, this session is for you!