Yiddish Song 

New buds on an ancient tree / Naye kveytn af an altn boym:Yiddish songs and for our time/AM1 Adrienne Cooper & Zalmen Mlotek

Part of the magic of Yiddish song lies in the genius of its folk poets’ ability to speak to and for new generations. As true as it was for those who wrote the songs of immigration and social revolution in the late 19th/early 20th century - it remains true for today’s authors of hasidic dveykus nigunim, topical songs, parodies, love lyrics, and more. Join this exploration of songs by Peretz, Reisin, Goldfaden, Edelstadt, Halpern, Greenblatt, Kharatz, Chorny, Alpert, Schaechter-Gottesman, Gordon, Waletsky and, of course, anonymous.

Yiddish for Singers/AM2 Paula Teitelbaum

In this workshop, students will learn to make sure that their audience focuses on the beauty of their voice and the depth of their interpretation, not on the mispronunciations of their Yiddish. The class will examine the key pitfalls of Yiddish pronunciation (e.g. “shpiln” NOT “shpilen”) and discuss how to avoid making them in the future. Participants will also listen to recordings illustrating the “do’s and don’ts.” Students should bring the songs they are learning to review and practice in the class.

Vocal Master Class/PM1 Adrienne Cooper and Zalmen Mlotek

An intensive laboratory for singers exploring the stage and concert. Individuals who participate will have the opportunity to be personally coached on their Yiddish songs repertoire, focusing on the heart of performance: interpretative nuance, musicianship, and Yiddish language.

Traditional Ensembles/AM2 and PM2

Vocalists are invited to sign up for a traditional ensemble to gain experience and coaching in working with a band. These ensembles will generally work towards preparing an instrumental tune/suite (which may or may not include a vocal component) as well as a vocal piece for presentation at the student concert on Sunday evening. Suitable for any level; however, vocalists signing up for an ensemble should submit a recording with their application so that they can be placed appropriately.

Vocalists should also check descriptions of other performance ensembles, many of which welcome singers.

Theater Through Song /PM2 Joanne Borts

Join noted Broadway singer/actress and new KK staffer Joanne Borts in a class for experienced singers looking to achieve a deeper understanding of the subtext of the songs they perform. In this seminar-style class, students learn to approach any Yiddish song from a theatrical perspective, interpret lyrics and music, and explore the emotional elements of each piece. Participants should come prepared with several memorized Yiddish songs, a willingness to take risks and an open heart.

KlezKamp Community Chorus /PM2 Zalmen Mlotek

All KlezKamp students are invited to sing fun and challenging arrangements of Yiddish folk, theater and art songs. For everyone who loves to sing.