HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Well, heck – it's been another challenging pandemic year. The days of early-dark are upon us, and I'm longing for the next solstice that will bring the promise of lengthening daylight once again. Here in California, the weather-folk say we're still in a drought, COVID-19 wants us to learn the entire Greek alphabet, and the world is on fire. But I'm not without holiday cheer, and I hope you aren't either! I have much to be cheerful about: my children, my warm house (we're under construction so part of the house is heated), my ridiculous puppy who is both adorable and crazy-making, my husband of 36 years, and my dear friends, who I never see quite often enough, but who delight me each time I do see them.
Hopefully we'll be able to see these dear friends who delight us: Jim & Susie Malcolm plan to be in California in February. I was sad to think I couldn't host house concerts in the East Bay after moving to Napa. SO! I will be taking advantage of a friend (bwa-ha-ha!) who made the mistake of offering his house in the Oakland Hills as a venue! That's right! Put February 2 on your calendar and watch for how to reserve your space in my December newsletter. You will need to show proof of vaccination/booster and I'll have details coming soon. Watch this space!
JANUARY 1, 2022 – AT JARVIS CONSERVATORY
One of the best kept secrets here in Napa is the Jarvis Conservatory, a beautiful little performance space that hosts A Grand Night for Singing—a curated open mic on the first Saturday of each month. In this live show on New Year's Day, I will be singing two of my original songs, amongst other fine amateur and professional performers. Maybe you'd like to join us! READ MORE HERE where you can also buy tickets!
HARMONY LESSONS ON YOUTUBE!
Some people join book groups, while others join walking groups for activity and social connection. Me? I like it when a group of singing pals get together, sit in a circle and take turns singing songs, often with a refrain that everyone can join in on. I love doing this because I get to sing harmony. There's something magic about the fabric of the melody – strong and identifiable – woven with one or more voices singing harmonies that create its musical context. But I know many folks shy away from harmony and never get to have this purely delicious experience. Sure – you're confident enough to hold a tune, but deviating from the familiar melody is a scary proposition. If only there were some stepping stones to help you learn how to do this.
DONE! During the pandemic, Libby McLaren and I have been making videos that teach harmony singing. You can find them on our aptly named YouTube channel: Celia and Libby's Excellent Harmony Lessons. They're designed for novice harmonizers utilizing rote harmonies. That's a really good place to start for beginners who are getting the hang of singing something different than their singing companions, but soon we'll also be including videos that teach you how to devise your own harmonies. These lessons are free on YouTube, and enable you to practice with Libby and me in the privacy of your own home. Check out our fun infomercial: