In this interest session, attendees can expect an interactive, in-depth overview of effective rehearsal routines for vocal jazz ensembles, focusing on techniques that build musicality, precision, and ensemble cohesion. Topics will include targeted warm-ups that connect directly to repertoire, strategies for teaching new music with an emphasis on rhythm, phrasing, and collaborative breathing, and an approach to vocal jazz as a full-body experience. The session will also cover methods for tuning tight harmonies, best practices for microphone technique, and tools for individual accountability such as part checks and practice recordings. Finally, the session will highlight the development of student leaders and arrangers, fostering a culture of mutual support, respect, and future music educators within the ensemble.
Target Audience
Middle School, High School, Collegiate, Community Jazz Choirs
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Andreas Preponis
Las Positas College
Andreas Preponis is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist and the director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Las Positas College in Livermore, CA. He serves on the boards of the California Choral Directors Association and the California Alliance for Jazz.
Born and raised in Germany, Andreas studied at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen, earning a bachelor and master’s degree in music education with emphases on percussion, voice, and vocal jazz performance. He holds a second master’s degree in choral conducting from Cal State University Los Angeles.
Andreas looks back at a diverse career as a singer, drummer, percussionist, pianist, guitarist, arranger, composer, song writer, actor, translator, and voice over talent. He composed music for several short movies, starred in numerous musical theater productions, and played in countless bands from a cappella and instrumental jazz, pop, funk, and soul to progressive rock. As a studio musician, he has contributed to over 20 album releases and has worked on projects for CBS, HBO, Disney, Netflix, and DreamWorks, most recently as a featured vocalist on Harmonious Live (Disney+).