The Aboriginal Music Lab in Vancouver

The second installment of Vancouver Community College’s Aboriginal Music Lab was great! The participants spent five days in downtown Vancouver, crafting songs, learning about the respectful use of traditional music, getting a feel for the needs and practices of television crews, discussing Aboriginal culture and its use in the arts, developing their vocal range and control, learning how to chart music, and examining the characteristics and values of hip hop. The highlight of the week was definitely the studio time, where each of the participants recorded one song alongside some of Vancouver’s top session musicians.

The group benefited from the wisdom and experience of cultural maven Kinnie Starr, music educator and world class percussionist Sal Ferreras, Aboriginal music icon Sandy Scofield, Chief Ian Campbell, emcee Os Twelve, jazz vocalist Jennifer Scott, author Marie Clements and a cadre of guest speakers and outstanding session musicians.

The participants came from Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. They were:
Leanne Goose
Leeroy Constant
Inez Jasper
Renae Morriseau
Evan Reeve
Wanda Wilson
Arlette Alcock
Gary Oker
Karen Donaldson Shepherd
Veronica Johnny
Nishina Esquega
Mary Mahler
Gail Obediah
Kiera Kolson
Sheila Maracle

The Aboriginal Music Lab ran June 2-6 and was presented by the Vancouver Community College School of Music in collaboration with the Canada Council for the Arts and 2010 Legacies Now.

Please visit the aboriginalmusic.ca photo gallery for pictures from the Aboriginal Music Lab.