This class will reconstruct and perform Meredith Monk’s “A Celebration Service” for the Bennington College community. Tom Bogdan, an original cast member in the work, will cast and teach an ensemble of singer/ dancers to be joined by an ensemble of “Processional” dancers, supervised by Levi Gonzalez to perform this spiritually inspired performance piece, created by American composer and pioneer of interdisciplinary performance, Meredith Monk. A Celebration Service uses Monk’s musical and movement compositions, as well as texts from various world religions to create a contemporary ritual celebrating the larger community of mankind and the power of the human spirit. Bogdan, a long-time member of Monk’s vocal ensemble, has recreated the work to ensembles in Budapest, Sao Paulo, Manila, Kiev, Syracuse University and several times at Bennington College. Originally performed by 12 members of Monk’s Vocal ensemble, “A Celebration Service” will be performed in Bennington by up to thirty students and faculty in Greenwall Music Workshop on May 5 and 6.
Ten singer/dancers will learn and perform the folk-dance which will be taught by Allison Easter, a member of Monk’s Ensemble. They will meet adittionally with Allison Easter for two hours on Friday evening March 10, and two 2 hour sessions on Saturday, March 11, as well as two hours on Friday evening March 24 and two 2 hour sessions on Saturday March 25. They and the additional “Processional” dancers will also meet with Levi Gonzalez, who will supervise the rehearsal of the dance pieces, on Wednesday evenings. Students must have singing experience and ability to match pitch.
Learning Outcomes:
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: Audition. Tuesday November 29, 5:30-7 PM in Greenwall (VAPA). All students wishing to audition must be at the full audition.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 10:00AM - 11:50AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: One time only
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Dance , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , Music
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