Volunteer

Below is a brief description of all the classes that will be taught at ELEVATE. Please use these descriptions to choose which class/es you would like to volunteer for. You may volunteer for as many classes as you like, but please note that volunteer selection is dependent on the number of participants, and Renée cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to avail of 1:1 coaching. Please also note that all volunteer singers are asked to only volunteer to sing if they are in reasonably good vocal health. If you volunteer to sing, it will be assumed that you do not have any vocal injuries or conditions that preclude you from receiving vocal training. If you have a vocal injury or condition that precludes you from receiving vocal instruction, or if you suspect that you do, please do not volunteer to sing for the safety of your own voice. Thank you.

Class # 1: Taking Care of Your Instrument

Learn how your voice works, and how to keep it sounding and feeling good. In this class, Renée will talk about basic voice care practices, including vocal hygiene, warm-ups, resets, cool-downs, and vocal injury prevention. This will be an interactive class, so be prepared to do some exercises (spoiler alert: this is not going to be your run-of-the-mill choir warm-up!). The perfect way to start a full day of singing!

Want to volunteer as a singer for this class? Volunteering for this class is optional, but Renée may use demo singers if anyone would like coaching around this topic. This class is perfect for those who often find themselves experiencing vocal fatigue. If this is you and you want one-on-one coaching, sign up to volunteer!

Class # 2: Different Singers, Different Tools

No two voices are alike. Because of this, no two vocal training regimen will be exactly alike, either. In this class, Renée will discuss and demonstrate the different approaches that can be used in conditioning a singer’s individual voice.

Want to volunteer as a singer for this class? If you’ve ever wanted one-on-one coaching, this is the class for you. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, whether you struggle with projection, breath management, a vocal break, straining – this is the class to find tailor-fit exercises to address a wide variety of experience levels and vocal concerns. Space is limited, so sign up ASAP!

Class # 3: Singing in Harmony

One of the most commonly-asked questions that Renée encounters when working with worship singers is this: “Can you teach me how to harmonize?” To those who haven’t had any exposure to choir singing, harmonization can feel mysterious and sometimes frustrating. In this class, Renée will teach exercises that can help build your ear and improve your ability to find and sing harmony with others.

Want to volunteer as a singer for this class? Volunteers are optional for this class, but Renée may choose to work with singers who are beginners to harmonizing and would like some more direct coaching. Demo singers will only be used for this class if there is at least two who would like to volunteer. Sign up to express your interest!

Class # 4: Elevate the Song

This class is all about stylization, interpretation, and performance. Now, before you start saying, “But worship isn’t about performance” – this isn’t about stealing the spotlight or singing from a place of ego. It’s about singing with intention, beauty, and musicality. It’s about mastering vocal expression in order to communicate the meaning behind the music. It’s about cultivating our skills in order to bring greater glory to God.

Want to volunteer as a singer for this class? This class is ideally for singers who are ready to sing complete songs, especially in front of an audience. Intermediate and experienced singers are encouraged to volunteer in order to demonstrate more advanced vocal concepts. Beginner singers are also encouraged to volunteer in order to demonstrate how one can begin to cultivate their artistry. Space is limited, so sign up if you’re interested!

ELEVATE Showcase

Singing for worship ministry can come with a lot of pressures and expectations. This can impact the way that we feel about our voices, our performances, even ourselves. The hope for this showcase is to provide an opportunity for worship singers to share their voices and songs among a supportive, uplifting community – a community that can relate to the pressures of being a worship singer, and that can hold space for fellow worship singers to reconnect with the joy of making music. This is not about proving ourselves. Instead, it’s about gathering proof that there is a seat at the table for all of us – a place for our voices, our hearts, and our music.

Want to sing for the showcase? There will be a piano and microphones available for singers to use for the showcase. Guitars may also be available upon request. If you need accompaniment, there will be a pianist and guitarist available to help, but we ask that you please submit your song selection in advance (along with the key that you would like to sing it in) by emailing hello@reneemaranan.com. Sign-ups will also be accepted on the day of the event, provided that space is available.