February 1, 2010, Yarmouth, Maine: On Wednesday, February 3 at 8:00 a.m., approximately fifty North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) upper school vocalists in teacher Nora Krainis's classes will be treated to a workshop by composer/musician/vocalist Philip Hamilton and Kenny "The Human Orchestra" Muhammad. The workshop is made possible by Portland Ovations as part of their Ovations Offstage program. Students will explore the world of musical communication with Hamilton, whose music has been hailed as "powerful" and "explosive" by The New York Times, and renowned beat-box artist Kenny "The Human Orchestra" Muhammad, a veteran of performances with the New York Symphony Orchestra, Public Enemy, Vernon Reid and more.
The workshop will give Krainis's students an overview of the a cappella creativity of Hamilton's 'vocal tribe,' which draws on song stylings, rhythms, and influences from many cultural backgrounds and musical styles. "This workshop will be amazing," said Krainis. "Our students will have the opportunity to learn from these incredibly talented and experienced a capella vocalists. This is not an opportunity that happens every day," she said.
On April 16, 2010, Portland Ovations presents Voices, a dynamic, pan-global concert of original a cappella music by Hamilton and Muhammad at USM Portland's Hannaford Hall. For information on the Voices show, go to www.portlandovations.org.
North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving students in grades 5 through 12. NYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults.
For more information, please contact:
Kristi Belesca
Director of Community Development and Communications
North Yarmouth Academy
148 Main Street
Yarmouth, ME 04096
207-846-2380 ext. 9305
kbelesca@nya.org