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Blue Jupiter and The A Cappella University
An Arts-in-Education Outreach Program
Blue Jupiter is an internationally known pop/rock a cappella group from New York City. Over the past five years, these four graduates from Berklee College of Music, Northwestern University and SUNY Oswego, have built a strong career as the top educators and entertainers in their field. They are the voices of Oreo, have appeared on Oprah and VH1 Save the Music, tour over 150 dates a year across the US and China and have recorded four CDs. Marty the beat-boxer, Chris the screaming-high tenor, Jonathan the human orchestra, and Diana- (Blue Jupiter's secret weapon) a broadway singer and voice-over artist, bring you A Cappella University – an Arts-in-Education Music Outreach Program.
Described as “one of the best residency programs for voice in the country” by members of the American Choral Directors Association, Blue Jupiter’s A Cappella University is a collection of workshops, assemblies, and performances that explore all facets of a cappella music.
Usually scheduled over two or more days, Blue Jupiter conducts workshops for grades K-12 spanning many topics including- The History of A Cappella Music, Vocal Technique, Beatbox/Vocal Percussion, Performance Coaching (solo and ensemble), Scat Singing/Improv, Ear Training, Rehearsal Technique, Song Writing, Arranging, Recording Your Own CD, and more!
Blue Jupiter understands the importance of arts in education and the benefits of a strong music education. As such, A Cappella University was developed with the following goals in mind:
Blending influences of Rock, Pop, Soul, and Jazz, Blue Jupiter presents its educational material as an up-tempo, contemporary rock show. Whether it’s a workshop, all-school assembly, or evening concert for the community, Blue Jupiter brings a vibrant, youthful energy and a passion for teaching and entertaining that is unmatched among other vocal music residency programs.
Bringing Blue Jupiter and A Cappella University to your school couldn’t be easier. With extensive programming for all grades (K-12 and College) we encourage schools within a district to combine their resources so as many students as possible may experience A Cappella University. Our management team will help you schedule a residency that is custom built for your school or district size. Below you will see an example of Blue Jupiter’s A Cappella University in action.
What is A Cappella? (K-12)
Assembly [45-60 Minutes Auditorium]
Blue Jupiter’s in-school rock-show performance for large audiences is usually held in the school’s auditorium. Blue Jupiter takes students back in time in their “Time Machine Funk Bus” and demonstrate different styles of a cappella music including Gregorian Chant, Spiritual Music, Barbershop, Doo Wop, and more! In addition, they give students an abbreviated drum lesson, show them how Blue Jupiter puts a song together, and sing the Oreo Theme Song, all the while getting students to clap, sing and dance along to a collection of familiar pop tunes arranged and performed in Blue Jupiter’s signature style. Time is given at the end for Q&A from the audience.
Warm Ups (5-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Blue Jupiter takes you on a full vocal warm up combining stretches, intervallic singing, glissandos, diction exercises, breath exercises, and a full-body warm up. Blue Jupiter leads a discussion of why you should warm up and the importance of a cool-down.
Rockstar 101 (5-12 & College)
Solo Performance Coaching [45 Min. Classroom]
“They see you louder than they hear you.” Broadway performer and Blue Jupiter’s manager, Diana Preisler will give you the tools to transform your solo performance into a unique and powerful artistic statement. The emphasis in this class is your physical performance of the song and the emotion behind the lyrics, not just the notes. Volunteers will be needed for a live coaching in front of the class.
Rockstar 102 (5-12 & College)
Group Performance Coaching [45 Min. Classroom]
“Be the best darn back up singer.” An ensemble is only as good as the weakest member. From entrances, to choreography, to segues, and more, Broadway singer, Diana Preisler will give your ensemble the glue needed to move and breathe as one. This workshop is a must for groups preparing for competition.
Vocal Percussion 101 (5-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Learn to spit for fun and profit! During this interactive class, the basics of vocal percussion and beatbox are taught by one of the top vocal drummers in the field, Blue Jupiter’s own- Marty Gasper. He’ll take the class on a playful romp through the beatbox jungle, exploring the “language of drum sounds.” Doom, tss, pfff, tss, Doom Doom Tshhhh! This is a perfect workshop for choir, band, orchestra, and theatre classes alike.
Adjudication Class (5-12 & College)
Competition Preparation [45 Min. Classroom]
Your ensemble will perform a short 10-12 minute set for Blue Jupiter. Using their experience from judging contests like The Harmony Sweepstakes, ICCAs, NCHSA, and others, Blue Jupiter will fill out competition scorecards during the performance. After the performance, they will share the results with the ensemble, and give critiques and suggestions on how to improve. This workshop is an excellent precursor to the Rockstar and Music Rehearsal Masterclass workshops and is a must for any ensemble preparing to compete.
Music Rehearsal Masterclass (5-12 & College)
The Nuts and Bolts [45 Min. Classroom]
Blue Jupiter will tear into one or more of your ensemble’s pieces finding weak spots in the performance, breaking into sectionals if necessary. The focus in this workshop is music, music, and music- tuning, blend, tone, breath, phrasing, etc. Often the material covered during these rehearsals reinforces what the instructor has been teaching all year. Additionally, if there are concepts your ensemble is focusing on (i.e. Solfege, Scales, Tone, etc), Blue Jupiter will gladly emphasize the importance of these topics.
Arranging Demonstration Class (5-12 & College)
How Do They Do That? [45 Min. Classroom]
In this class, Blue Jupiter interactively arranges a song suggested by the class. The function of each instrument sound in a band is explored while the whole song is reduced to its simplest form then put together as an a cappella arrangement during the class. Simple parts are created and taught to the class while Blue Jupiter shows everyone how they make just four voices sound like a rock band.
Vocal Improvisation & Scat (7-12 & College)
Intro to the Blues [45 Min. Classroom]
What happened when Louis Armstrong forgot the words to a song and lost his sheet music? Scat was born. Blue Jupiter leads this class covering vocal improvisation and basic ear training. Students will learn a blues chord progression, the blues scale, and some simple vocal improv techniques.
Recording your own CD (7-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Today’s technology allows just about anyone to record their own CD. Blue Jupiter will discuss and demonstrate the process of recording a CD- by yourself or working with an outside producer. As established producers and engineers, Blue Jupiter will give you a list of things to consider before you begin your recording project.
Songwriting 101 (5-12 & College)
Hook, line, and singer.[45 Min. Classroom]
Why is pop music catchy? What is the hook of a song? What other words can you rhyme with ‘love’? Blue Jupiter will teach students about song form, the use of lyrics and melodies, and interactively write a song during the class. Depending on the outcome, this new original song may be performed by Blue Jupiter in the evening concert.
Start/Manage your own group (7-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Join the wave of contemporary a cappella in the USA. Blue Jupiter’s management team, Diana Preisler and Marty Gasper will discuss how to start your own a cappella group. Where do you get arrangements? How to find the right cast? What to do if someone comes late to rehearsal? How do we get gigs? And More!! Blue Jupiter will attempt to answer all of your questions in this open-forum style workshop.
Free-for-all – Q&A (5-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Does your class have hundreds of questions for Blue Jupiter? Curious about what college is like? Thinking about performing for a living? Having difficulties in music class? Want to know what life is like on the road? What’s the best voicing for a C minor-sharp-nine-flat-nine chord? Anything and everything is fare game in this Q&A session.
Choir Rehearsal (7-12 & College)
(REQUIRED for PERFORMANCE RESIDENCY ONLY) [45-60 Min. Classroom]
Held in the choir room, Blue Jupiter and the choir will rehearse the arrangements they have been learning prior to Blue Jupiter’s arrival. Proper singing technique, blending, tuning, and performance considerations will be discussed. The choir will self-evaluate the rehearsal and workshop any problem areas with Blue Jupiter’s guidance. A full run-through with Blue Jupiter should occur.
Choir Full Run (7-12 & College)
(REQUIRED for PERFORMANCE RESIDENCY ONLY) [45 Min. Auditorium]
This final performance rehearsal is held on stage to sound-check the sound system, rehearse entrance and exit paths, and answer any questions related to the performance.
RESIDENCY SCHEDULING OPTIONS:
WEEKLONG Residency (defined as 3 or more consecutive days) Up to 3 workshops and/or assemblies each day
Usually involves all schools K-12 in the district. An evening concert on the last day is required.
A selected choir has the option to perform with Blue Jupiter.
2-Day Residency Allows for 6-7 workshops or assemblies over 2 consecutive days.
Usually involves only 1 or 2 schools. An evening concert on the last day is required.
A selected choir has the option to perform with Blue Jupiter.
1-Day Residency Allows for 3 workshops or assemblies over 1 day.
Usually involves only 1 or 2 schools. An evening concert is required.
A selected choir has the option to perform with Blue Jupiter.
Must schedule at least two 1-Day ARCS with a neighboring school district.
Hotel, Travel, and Meals
Four hotel rooms are required for each day of performance, and sometimes the day before is required as well depending on routing. Food per diem is required for each member of the band . Round-trip mileage or flights from NYC is applicable at the federal mileage rate. Sound equipment needs to be rented by school if it is a non-locally routed city, or out of the country. Please check with Blue Jupiter’s sound technician, Marty Gasper for specifics on equipment rental.
FUND RAISING
Blue Jupiter has fundraising options to help raise money for the music department. With the following fund raising options, Blue Jupiter’s residency can turn quite a profit for your music department. Be sure to ask for additional fund-raising tools.
Shipping of t-shirts and/or Pre-Sale CD’s is additional. Standard shipping rates apply. Please request merchandise 4-6 weeks ahead of time to avoid expedited shipping costs.
An Arts-in-Education Outreach Program
Blue Jupiter is an internationally known pop/rock a cappella group from New York City. Over the past five years, these four graduates from Berklee College of Music, Northwestern University and SUNY Oswego, have built a strong career as the top educators and entertainers in their field. They are the voices of Oreo, have appeared on Oprah and VH1 Save the Music, tour over 150 dates a year across the US and China and have recorded four CDs. Marty the beat-boxer, Chris the screaming-high tenor, Jonathan the human orchestra, and Diana- (Blue Jupiter's secret weapon) a broadway singer and voice-over artist, bring you A Cappella University – an Arts-in-Education Music Outreach Program.
Described as “one of the best residency programs for voice in the country” by members of the American Choral Directors Association, Blue Jupiter’s A Cappella University is a collection of workshops, assemblies, and performances that explore all facets of a cappella music.
Usually scheduled over two or more days, Blue Jupiter conducts workshops for grades K-12 spanning many topics including- The History of A Cappella Music, Vocal Technique, Beatbox/Vocal Percussion, Performance Coaching (solo and ensemble), Scat Singing/Improv, Ear Training, Rehearsal Technique, Song Writing, Arranging, Recording Your Own CD, and more!
Blue Jupiter understands the importance of arts in education and the benefits of a strong music education. As such, A Cappella University was developed with the following goals in mind:
Blending influences of Rock, Pop, Soul, and Jazz, Blue Jupiter presents its educational material as an up-tempo, contemporary rock show. Whether it’s a workshop, all-school assembly, or evening concert for the community, Blue Jupiter brings a vibrant, youthful energy and a passion for teaching and entertaining that is unmatched among other vocal music residency programs.
Bringing Blue Jupiter and A Cappella University to your school couldn’t be easier. With extensive programming for all grades (K-12 and College) we encourage schools within a district to combine their resources so as many students as possible may experience A Cappella University. Our management team will help you schedule a residency that is custom built for your school or district size. Below you will see an example of Blue Jupiter’s A Cappella University in action.
What is A Cappella? (K-12)
Assembly [45-60 Minutes Auditorium]
Blue Jupiter’s in-school rock-show performance for large audiences is usually held in the school’s auditorium. Blue Jupiter takes students back in time in their “Time Machine Funk Bus” and demonstrate different styles of a cappella music including Gregorian Chant, Spiritual Music, Barbershop, Doo Wop, and more! In addition, they give students an abbreviated drum lesson, show them how Blue Jupiter puts a song together, and sing the Oreo Theme Song, all the while getting students to clap, sing and dance along to a collection of familiar pop tunes arranged and performed in Blue Jupiter’s signature style. Time is given at the end for Q&A from the audience.
Warm Ups (5-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Blue Jupiter takes you on a full vocal warm up combining stretches, intervallic singing, glissandos, diction exercises, breath exercises, and a full-body warm up. Blue Jupiter leads a discussion of why you should warm up and the importance of a cool-down.
Rockstar 101 (5-12 & College)
Solo Performance Coaching [45 Min. Classroom]
“They see you louder than they hear you.” Broadway performer and Blue Jupiter’s manager, Diana Preisler will give you the tools to transform your solo performance into a unique and powerful artistic statement. The emphasis in this class is your physical performance of the song and the emotion behind the lyrics, not just the notes. Volunteers will be needed for a live coaching in front of the class.
Rockstar 102 (5-12 & College)
Group Performance Coaching [45 Min. Classroom]
“Be the best darn back up singer.” An ensemble is only as good as the weakest member. From entrances, to choreography, to segues, and more, Broadway singer, Diana Preisler will give your ensemble the glue needed to move and breathe as one. This workshop is a must for groups preparing for competition.
Vocal Percussion 101 (5-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Learn to spit for fun and profit! During this interactive class, the basics of vocal percussion and beatbox are taught by one of the top vocal drummers in the field, Blue Jupiter’s own- Marty Gasper. He’ll take the class on a playful romp through the beatbox jungle, exploring the “language of drum sounds.” Doom, tss, pfff, tss, Doom Doom Tshhhh! This is a perfect workshop for choir, band, orchestra, and theatre classes alike.
Adjudication Class (5-12 & College)
Competition Preparation [45 Min. Classroom]
Your ensemble will perform a short 10-12 minute set for Blue Jupiter. Using their experience from judging contests like The Harmony Sweepstakes, ICCAs, NCHSA, and others, Blue Jupiter will fill out competition scorecards during the performance. After the performance, they will share the results with the ensemble, and give critiques and suggestions on how to improve. This workshop is an excellent precursor to the Rockstar and Music Rehearsal Masterclass workshops and is a must for any ensemble preparing to compete.
Music Rehearsal Masterclass (5-12 & College)
The Nuts and Bolts [45 Min. Classroom]
Blue Jupiter will tear into one or more of your ensemble’s pieces finding weak spots in the performance, breaking into sectionals if necessary. The focus in this workshop is music, music, and music- tuning, blend, tone, breath, phrasing, etc. Often the material covered during these rehearsals reinforces what the instructor has been teaching all year. Additionally, if there are concepts your ensemble is focusing on (i.e. Solfege, Scales, Tone, etc), Blue Jupiter will gladly emphasize the importance of these topics.
Arranging Demonstration Class (5-12 & College)
How Do They Do That? [45 Min. Classroom]
In this class, Blue Jupiter interactively arranges a song suggested by the class. The function of each instrument sound in a band is explored while the whole song is reduced to its simplest form then put together as an a cappella arrangement during the class. Simple parts are created and taught to the class while Blue Jupiter shows everyone how they make just four voices sound like a rock band.
Vocal Improvisation & Scat (7-12 & College)
Intro to the Blues [45 Min. Classroom]
What happened when Louis Armstrong forgot the words to a song and lost his sheet music? Scat was born. Blue Jupiter leads this class covering vocal improvisation and basic ear training. Students will learn a blues chord progression, the blues scale, and some simple vocal improv techniques.
Recording your own CD (7-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Today’s technology allows just about anyone to record their own CD. Blue Jupiter will discuss and demonstrate the process of recording a CD- by yourself or working with an outside producer. As established producers and engineers, Blue Jupiter will give you a list of things to consider before you begin your recording project.
Songwriting 101 (5-12 & College)
Hook, line, and singer.[45 Min. Classroom]
Why is pop music catchy? What is the hook of a song? What other words can you rhyme with ‘love’? Blue Jupiter will teach students about song form, the use of lyrics and melodies, and interactively write a song during the class. Depending on the outcome, this new original song may be performed by Blue Jupiter in the evening concert.
Start/Manage your own group (7-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Join the wave of contemporary a cappella in the USA. Blue Jupiter’s management team, Diana Preisler and Marty Gasper will discuss how to start your own a cappella group. Where do you get arrangements? How to find the right cast? What to do if someone comes late to rehearsal? How do we get gigs? And More!! Blue Jupiter will attempt to answer all of your questions in this open-forum style workshop.
Free-for-all – Q&A (5-12 & College)
[45 Min. Classroom]
Does your class have hundreds of questions for Blue Jupiter? Curious about what college is like? Thinking about performing for a living? Having difficulties in music class? Want to know what life is like on the road? What’s the best voicing for a C minor-sharp-nine-flat-nine chord? Anything and everything is fare game in this Q&A session.
Choir Rehearsal (7-12 & College)
(REQUIRED for PERFORMANCE RESIDENCY ONLY) [45-60 Min. Classroom]
Held in the choir room, Blue Jupiter and the choir will rehearse the arrangements they have been learning prior to Blue Jupiter’s arrival. Proper singing technique, blending, tuning, and performance considerations will be discussed. The choir will self-evaluate the rehearsal and workshop any problem areas with Blue Jupiter’s guidance. A full run-through with Blue Jupiter should occur.
Choir Full Run (7-12 & College)
(REQUIRED for PERFORMANCE RESIDENCY ONLY) [45 Min. Auditorium]
This final performance rehearsal is held on stage to sound-check the sound system, rehearse entrance and exit paths, and answer any questions related to the performance.
RESIDENCY SCHEDULING OPTIONS:
WEEKLONG Residency (defined as 3 or more consecutive days) Up to 3 workshops and/or assemblies each day
Usually involves all schools K-12 in the district. An evening concert on the last day is required.
A selected choir has the option to perform with Blue Jupiter.
2-Day Residency Allows for 6-7 workshops or assemblies over 2 consecutive days.
Usually involves only 1 or 2 schools. An evening concert on the last day is required.
A selected choir has the option to perform with Blue Jupiter.
1-Day Residency Allows for 3 workshops or assemblies over 1 day.
Usually involves only 1 or 2 schools. An evening concert is required.
A selected choir has the option to perform with Blue Jupiter.
Must schedule at least two 1-Day ARCS with a neighboring school district.
Hotel, Travel, and Meals
Four hotel rooms are required for each day of performance, and sometimes the day before is required as well depending on routing. Food per diem is required for each member of the band . Round-trip mileage or flights from NYC is applicable at the federal mileage rate. Sound equipment needs to be rented by school if it is a non-locally routed city, or out of the country. Please check with Blue Jupiter’s sound technician, Marty Gasper for specifics on equipment rental.
FUND RAISING
Blue Jupiter has fundraising options to help raise money for the music department. With the following fund raising options, Blue Jupiter’s residency can turn quite a profit for your music department. Be sure to ask for additional fund-raising tools.
Shipping of t-shirts and/or Pre-Sale CD’s is additional. Standard shipping rates apply. Please request merchandise 4-6 weeks ahead of time to avoid expedited shipping costs.
For more information
Call 1-888-GO-2-JUPE
E-mail BOOKING at BLUEJUPITER dot COM
Visit www.bluejupiter.com