Vocal Workshop a Big Success

Saturday was just another triple digit day. People had stuff to do, stuff they couldn't get out of, and then some had stuff that they could do, but didn't have to if they decided not to. I had my step-daughter's graduation from UNT, so I was already in the Lewisville neighborhood for the Free Vocal Workshop at MMOneVoice Studio. Plus I had organized it with Josh and Michael and kind of had to be there. Maridale and I drove by the studio about an hour early, then we went for a drive to see where our daughter Lindsey works at Bath and Body Works. The studio looked pretty isolated and abandoned when we drove by, so I asked MD how many of the 10 workshop confirmations I could expect to actually attend. She guessed 5. I sighed. By the end of the workshop, all 10 of us were dangling our heads over our chests, making Jerry Lewis sounds. "Hey Laaaadddyyy!" I knew we would do better than 5, but I didn't expect 100 percent. Woody Allen said just showing up is 90 percent of success. Here's what some of the folks who showed up had to say about Michael Maresca's free vocal workshop: ---------- As an evolving songwriter who had never taken a voice lesson, I constantly felt like 'wow, this guy is saving me so much time and heartache in the process of learning how to sing.' Clearly, he knows his craft AND is a gifted teacher with the ability to communicate in ways that let creative people get a handle on the otherwise technical aspects of singing. I just want to say THANK YOU to all involved! I am completely impressed, humbled, and grateful." Regards, Rudy ----------- While I am not quite ready to call myself a singer, Michael has me believing that I'll soon be able to get more out of my voice than the pain and frustration I'm accustom to. He is a very impressive teacher, and I'm looking forward to practicing the exercises he shared with us. Perhaps one day, after some practice and additional instruction, I'll be able to comfortably refer to myself as a singer-songwriter. Thanks again for the opportunity to take part in this valuable learning experience. Peace, William ---------- I loved the voice workshop with Michael! What a talented guy. I've always assumed I couldn't sing, so I'm gonna give it a go and take a few lessons. I figure it's fun to learn about something new and it will be of benefit to my songwriting. I truly thank everyone at the DSA for the hard work in organizing these educational and inspiring gatherings, as well as the posts, newsletters, speakers, etc... I get to as many events as I can (which is never as many as I'd like) but I always leave a better writer. Thank you, thank you. Donna ----------- Had a great time last night. Thanks for inviting me to the program. I am going to check him out and take a few lessons, I think, along with my granddaughter. She loves to sing and act out her little skits she puts together. I was quite impressed with his range and sound. Jack ----------- I had a fabulous time & am really interested in trying these techniques to see what changes happen w/ my voice & how it will impact the trio I'm in. Great class w/ lots of interesting folks. Thanks, Michael. Jeta --------------- I got a lot of info and useful tips out of the second half discussion and “wah” exercises. The facilities were top notch and Michael Maresca and his wife were super nice people. I hope we can do more workshops with them. He definitely knows what he’s doing and has credentials out his “wah”. For those of you that were there you know what I mean. Next time I hope to make it on time. Thanks again Buck and all who helped set the vocal workshop up. Buck you’re doing a great job as El Presidente’. Be Well, Steve Sullivan

July Meeting Blog

We had a special night last night at our temporary, one-night-only home at Central Market. What would you expect from our best songwriters but great songs, and they delivered with great performances and insight. Thanks to past Critique Winners Justin and Jennifer, Brooke, Bob and Stephen, and many more thanks to Stephen for having the idea of "song and interview" and pulling it off. Songwriters sang or played their winning songs, then chatted with Stephen about how the song was written, then sang or played another of their songs. We heard some beautiful music, and the room was small enough that we didn't need a mic. We've never clapped so much at a 2nd Tuesday meeting. We also honored the best of the best, Vern Dailey, our Songwriter of the Year, and Vern was kind enough to share some thoughts in the intimate setting of the Community Room. Folks last night learned about a free vocal workshop that we're planning in the next month with Michael Maresca. More on the what, where and when on that coming soon, but everyone seemed interested. Hey, guess what? It's already 3rd Thursday tomorrow at Dunn Bros, so please plan to come out for DSA Open Mic with Craig. That means that 3rd Monday Song Swap at Tinos at Collin Creek Mall will be this Monday at 7. Hope to see you there as well. No 2nd Tuesday meeting in August, but all song swaps and open mics go on next month as always. I've had lots of travel and great visits this summer. Just said good-bye to the last of my girls yesterday, who, unfortunately, had a 3-hour delay on her flight back to Atlanta. So while I was at Central Market last night, I picked up a few items, among them a six-pack of a Montana beer I had never seen before. It was on sale, so if you don't tarry, you might be able to grab a 6 of Trout Slayer Beer for a bargain. I couldn't resist the name, and the beer wasn't bad. Guess I have to mow-zey. Dang yard. Buck DSA prez