These classes are designed to introduce the student to a broad range of classic Soul and Rhythm ’n’ Blues music styles. Key features of this broad genre are revealed through the performance of historically important repertoire from the 1950s/60s/70s through to the present era. Vocalists gain experience singing both lead and harmony parts, while rhythm section players learn to create authentic grooves that will move an audience. Horn players learn to work as a section, punctuating the music and providing contrast with the short solo improvisations endemic to the style.

Typically there will be up to 4 vocalists (doing both solo and backing vocals), a rhythm section of drums, electric bass, keyboards, a horn section (trumpet, alto sax, tenor sax) and 2 guitarists.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
A 15 minute audition will be required to gain entry to the course.
PLEASE NOTE: No backing tracks, just unaccompanied performances for all auditions.

SINGERS:

• Perform two contrasting Soul/Rhythm ‘n’ Blues standards from the repertoire of Stax, Atlantic or Motown records.
• Demonstrate the backing vocal part to one of the following song sections:
• Verse section of_“Heat Wave”_ By Martha and The Vandellas Pre-Chorus of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
• Sight reading ability preferred but not essential.

GUITAR/KEYBOARD/BASS:

• Demonstrate accompaniment skills on a 12-bar blues that features an introduction, a main section, and an ending.
• Perform one song from the repertoire of Stax/Atlantic/Motown records.
• Demonstrate the following scales: Major Scale, Major Pentatonic, Minor Pentatonic.
• Sight read a Chord Chart (provided).

HORNS:

• Demonstrate improvisational skills on a 12-bar blues.
• Demonstrate the following scales: Major Scale, Major Pentatonic, Minor Pentatonic.
• Demonstrate the horn lines from “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave (Introduction and Chorus).
• Sight Reading (provided) of a chart from the repertoire.

DRUMMERS:

• Demonstrate the following generic grooves: Shuffle, Straight 8, Motown, Gospel 12/8.
• Demonstrate the specific grooves to “Cold Sweat” By James Brown and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
• There maybe some sight reading of a chart from the repertoire. Sight reading is an advantage but not essential

h3. WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THIS COURSE

Soul Ensemble has been such a great experience for me and I was smiling all week with a full heart, happy to have participated and in the spirit of just having a go at something after many years of absence.

Darren was excellent. Incredibly patient and knowledgeable.

Fantastic - great teacher and great group of people

Darren was great, well informed and very welcoming.

Would definitely recommend this course, I had a great time playing and learning with the group, made some connections and got a great deal of knowledge and fun out of the experience! Felt super supported with addressing my stage fright too!