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workshop Sounds without risking their career: perfect for teenagers who don't feel safe X ' m sweating, my chest is constricted and I'm in a slate of anxiety. In a few minutes I will have to sing my name in order to introduce myself to the other participants of a musical workshop I'm attending. The idea is for someone to sing their name, using any musical style, and then everybody else repeats that name using the same singing style. I've been lip-synching everyone's name to this point but now its my turn. I feel my blood circulating under my skin at the speed of light. I strain. I draw on whatever oxygen my constricted lungs can spare and finally, "Gloria." comes out of my mouth in a barely audible whisper. Everyone whispers back. "Gloria." 1 want to die. Does this sound like fun? Well, in fact, it was. I was participating in a workshop developed by two women. Brenda Johima and Joey Minshall. called "Sounds Like Fun." Joey teaches and coaches vocal and performance development for choruses, quartets and individuals. She also teaches vocal arranging, composes and complements these skills with an educational background in psychology and education. Brenda is a singer, songwriter and music therapist. While she is currently focussing on her performing career. Brenda is also working on a made-for-TV movie and completing a series of books with her thoughts on healing. I don't know if I can describe who exactly their workshop is for: it would be wonderful for young children who want to play with their creativity; great for senior managers from I B M who want to take risks Panic did rise in my chest when we were put in partners and asked to present a Christina Rossetti poem using some kind of sound style. We had the option of using any kind of melody and style (rap. country, opera etc.). " M y poor partner," I thought. M y partner was a bundle of enthusiasm and within 30 minutes we worked out a brilliant scene. We were two old women fighting over who had more lovers in our being silly anymore; and fabulous for adults who love to sing but only do in the shower. It's for anyone who wants to have fun. And it's more than just having fun. l i s about taking risks and appreciating yourself and others. The basis of the work explores ideas using voice and sound. M y problem: I'm embarrassed to sing if anyone is within earshot. The amount of singing I do in public is limited to Happy Birthday and O h Canada. Two songs in which being drowned out is a good bet. I attended Sounds Like Fun as background for this article and had foolishly thought I wouldn't have to actually participate. After arriving late. I whispered to Brenda 1 would not be singing during the workshop. Brenda asked what I thought I might do during the day: hide. " l i s 1 Like youth. In raspy voices we crackled out the lines ol the first verse. 1 then conveniently died. A s I pulled off the items of clothing which made me "old" and packed them in a suitcase, my partner sang the second verse of the Rossetti poem with such pathos and strength. I was trembling. We wowed them! The skit lasted three minutes and I have relived it a dozen times since. I felt so good. I was amazed at myself because for many things I do, I need someone to praise me. Not that day. 1 was so proud of what we did on "stage," the applause was icing on the cake. But it wasn't until the end of the day I experienced the huge sense of achievement one gets when taking a big risk and it pays off. 1 sang. O n my own. I didn't have to, but the environment fell safe and I wanted to give it a shot. It was a great feeling to sing in front of people and have them cheer me on. In fact, it was awesome. When I received a standing ovation for my truncated version of "Cotton Jenny." my heart was pounding and I wanted to go on feeling that good forever. I realized these people were cheering me on. Celebrating my triumph. A n d while it was wonderful to have them tell me, "you can sing!" the sound of my voice wasn't the most important thing; I jumped and the safely net appeared. Hell. I'm still high on the success of my first public singing appearance. "^ - Fun possible," I thought as I returned her knowing smile with a scared one. Despite not knowing anything about Singing, I enjoyed the workshop. It was fun. Part of the enjoyment stemmed from the safe environment: I really didn't have to sing by myself. For some of the exercises I just sat back and listened to the great sounds we were all creating. A n d that was O K too. If you would like to attend Sounds Like Fun, two more are scheduled at Presentation House in June and July. Call 926-6324 or S89-4700 for more details.