A Cappella Innovations
Hey all! I am going to be judging this competition with Kristin Kreuk December 1-2. If you’re into music or people or “Smallville” or any or all of the above, come out and join us for the weekend! It’s going to be a rocking time! Hope to see you all there!
A Cappella Innovations is a festival being put on by my friends, the acappella group Simply Human, the weekend of December 1-2.
A Capella Innovations intends to “promote innovation, evolution and unity in the acappella community, as well as fostering an appreciation in the general public of what can be done with the human instrument.” The two-day event/conference/festival will include 11 different workshops of acappella techniques, constructive evaluations, and professional performances and networking and community-building opportunities, culminating in a celebrity-hosted performance of acappella groups.
The workshops will focus on vocal instrument emulation, arrangement techniques, voice (singing) techniques and vocal percussion and “beatboxing.” Participating groups will have the opportunity to perform for a professional judging panel that will provide rich feedback. A Capella Innovations will be a living, evolving process of talent sharing where, through the exposure to each group’s different techniques and approach, participants will arrive to a whole new level in their performance and experience of acappella music. The public performance at the end of the weekend will showcase the results of this mutual enrichment process.
Tags: acappella, Conventions, Kristin Kreuk
My Purpose
Hey, team! I hope everyone has been enjoying the little video blog thingies that my dear Tabby has been throwing up over the last little bit. They’re really cool, and, well, let’s be honest… I love to talk, so they’re really fun for me to do as well. I’ve been so inspired as of late, and I’m feeling more and more consistently aware of how lucky I am to be living this life.
I’m looping around and around in my head about that grand and overbearing question “Why am I here?†Just recently, I’ve come to a somewhat vague, but kind of nice conclusion—I think I’m here to make stuff and appreciate stuff that others have made… To spread joy, passion, and enthusiasm through my own experience and expression in the world—simple, right? I kept thinking that my “purpose” had to be this ridiculously complicated thing, but when I get down to the core of it all, it feels like the only real significant reason any of us is here is to find our true selves and the things that make us unique from anyone else in the world, and to express that in a joyful and honest way. I guess the journey of life is whatever happens while you are on the quest to do so… I like this.
Maybe it is because of my fear of failure, but this seems to make the approach to failing and trying new things really exciting rather than daunting. I mean, if I could truly look at everything I do for what it is, just another way to understand and express me in the world, it would kind of take the edge off the outcome. So now, it’s just taking the steps to do so and trying to be compassionate with myself when I get off track or get confused or caught up in other things. What do you think your purpose is? It’s such a weighted word that I don’t think we ever really explore… So let’s do that! I don’t know… Chew on it if you want and share… Throw your hat in the ring. I mean, why not? Right?
Oh, and hey! I never let you all know what happened with my birthday gift that you so beautifully gave to me! I donated it to a theatre project dedicated to aiding all people in their pursuit to finding and expressing their passion in the world. The company is called World Audience Productions, and it’s run by a friend of mine who believes that we can use theatre and acting as a way for people to overcome their greatest fears and truly get in touch with what it means to express themselves in a joyful and exciting way!
I have such a passion for theatre, and I really believe that it can do so much more for this world and the people in it than just simply entertain. The woman who’s building this theatre company is working towards developing a place where all people can come and explore themselves through the art of theatre and acting. It’s really beautiful to see some of the things I value most in my life combined and actualize. Thanks so much again all of you! I’m so constantly overwhelmed by the amazing support and enthusiasm I get from all of you beautiful people! YAY!
Ciao for now,
Allison
PS—For those of you waiting for your pictures, you should be getting them this week, and I hope you all receive them okay! If you don’t receive them by U.S. Thanksgiving, please contact Tabby.
