Los Angeles A Cappella Festival 2023: Full Schedule

6:00pm PST

#LAAFChallenge

Part scavenger hunt, part Instagram Story challenge, we’ve created 25 fun missions to get you meeting other LAAF attendees, staff members, performers, and more! The team or individual that finishes the most challenges by 12pm Sunday 2/19 wins! Do you have what it takes to win the #LAAFChallenge?

Visit https://casa.org/laaf/laaf-challenge/ for more details

Friday February 17, 2023 6:00pm - Sunday February 19, 2023 12:00pm PST
Instagram

Information

7:30pm PST

Community Showcase

Feat: BFOM (UCSB), In Full Color (University of Waterloo), Take it SLO (Cal Poly SLO), The Tritones (UCSD)

Friday February 17, 2023 7:30pm - 9:45pm PST
Old Town Music Hall 140 Richmond St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Performance, Showcase

9:45pm PST

Friday Night Afterparty!

Let's hang out and kick off the weekend right! All ages welcome at Tavern on Main for some drinks and a bite to eat.

Friday February 17, 2023 9:45pm - 11:15pm PST
Tavern on Main 123 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Afterparty

8:30am PST

Registration/Info Desk

Saturday February 18, 2023 8:30am - 5:00pm PST
Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Information, Registration/Info

9:30am PST

Leadership Dynamic: Empowering Followers through Inclusive Practices

The Leadership Dynamic course identifies the different styles group members hold when contributing to rehearsals, exploring how all members can deepen their connection to the rehearsal process and adopt inclusive behaviors to increase engagement. Through a rehearsal simulation, singers will learn how to hold each other accountable when contributing to a positive and productive environment.

Instructors

Spencer Camacho

Professor of Leadership Studies and Music Theory, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Spencer Camacho is a professor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU), home of Under A Rest A Cappella (UAR), the competitive group of which he used to be music director. Arranging for groups across the country including LA, Rhode Island, and Tennessee, Spencer actively... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 9:30am - 10:20am PST
I203 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Managing/Directing

9:30am PST

Mic Technique for Singers

This class is designed to give you the background and skills needed to maximize the impact of
your singing on handheld dynamic microphones.

Instructors

Glenn Clancy

Chief Engineer, Studio 37

Glenn Clancy, Mastering Engineer, Producer, Musician, Singer, Voice Instructor, Vocal Producer, Vocal Arranger, Photographer, Videographer, and Chief Engineer of Studio 37 has been creating, producing, mixing, and mastering music for countless artists since 1997. He specializes in... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 9:30am - 10:20am PST
I201 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Performance/Singing

9:30am PST

Movement for Awkward Bodies

Feeling confident on stage can be tough. Even when you’ve spent hours drilling your music, the
addition of movement and blocking can be super overwhelming. In this class we will explore
movement through emotion and story to get folks comfortable in their own bodies. Whether you
are in an ensemble or a soloist, every single person is on stage to tell the story together.
Everyone will be asked to participate in the movement. All levels welcome!

Instructors

Nina Kasuya

Nina Kasuya (UCLA, Ethnomusicology) is a vocalist, educator, and actor based in Los Angeles, CA. California. She works with students in the Vocal Artist Program at Icon Collective College of Music, and can be heard performing in The L Word: Generation Q, The Good Doctor, and Jimmy... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 9:30am - 10:20am PST
I204 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Performance/Movement

9:30am PST

So You Want to Create a Group?

In this class, students will explore what a group may need in order to have a successful start to
their a cappella journey, whether it be collegiate, post-collegiate or professional. We will also
tackle common challenges & missteps groups run into, as well as best practices and tools to
ensure group longevity. So much of what determines a group’s success is what happens in the
planning process, even prior to the first audition or recruitment endeavors. We explore what it
means to have a vision, how to set goals, expectations, routines, and how having a business
mindset or structure can help enhance your professionalism and group longevity.
While the format is a presentation/lecture style, this class will be an open dialog where students
are welcome to ask questions, speak on their own experiences and contribute along the way.

Instructors

Lisa Hawkins

Founder/Business Manager, Pipeline Vocal Project

Lisa Hawkins is from Anchorage, AK and has been an active singer, arranger, choreographer, director and performer in the a cappella scene for ten years. She has been a part of leadership in various groups, including professional groups Cape Harmony, Revel and currently, Pipeline Vocal... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 9:30am - 10:20am PST
I202 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Managing/Directing

10:20am PST

Acabomb: Rhymes with Orange

Saturday February 18, 2023 10:20am - 10:30am PST
Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Performance, Acabomb

10:30am PST

Acabomb: Take it SLO

Saturday February 18, 2023 10:30am - 10:40am PST
Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Performance, Acabomb

10:40am PST

A cappella and YouTube

Attendees will come away from this class with a lot of best practices for uploading content that
leverages YouTube’s algorithm to get fans.

Instructors

David Fowler

Fowler Production LLC

David Fowler is an A Cappella producer and Creator who’s been working exclusively within the acaverse since 2014. He started out making Bieber covers in his bedroom at 16 years old, and has since earned millions of views, performed in and managed several touring ensembles, and was... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 10:40am - 11:30am PST
I202 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Production

10:40am PST

The Art of Risk-Taking: Creating Opportunities off the Beaten Path

The Art of Risk-Taking course explores how collegiate a cappella groups may find themselves limited to the typical rehearsals, competitions, and invitationals year in and year out. By identifying fears of risk-taking, this course broadens the perspective of interdisciplinary a cappella versatility. In the form of a brain trust, we explore collaborative opportunities with bands/artists/dancers/actors, social justice collaborations, and service opportunities to push the boundaries of our field’s reach.

Instructors

Spencer Camacho

Professor of Leadership Studies and Music Theory, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Saturday February 18, 2023 10:40am - 11:30am PST
I203 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Managing/Singing

10:40am PST

Vocal Arranging Tips and Techniques

This class is designed to give vocal arrangers and producers a structured approach to arranging
background vocals.

Instructors

Glenn Clancy

Chief Engineer, Studio 37

Saturday February 18, 2023 10:40am - 11:30am PST
I201 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Arranging

10:40am PST

Vocal Sound Design

In this class you’ll learn how to manipulate vocals in your DAW to create lush soundscapes and unique
sounds. We will cover an array of production concepts including formant shifting, tremolo, panning, LFO
tool, pedals and more. Students will be encouraged to contribute vocal ideas and recordings that will be
used to create our own sonic world!

Instructors

Kayla Jo Pichichero

Music Producer

Kayla is a music producer and songwriter from Long Island, NY currently living in LA. Kayla has extensive experience in the a cappella world, teaching at various festivals across the country, writing & recording music with her band Birdland Avenue, and interviewing over 100 guests... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 10:40am - 11:30am PST
I204 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Production

11:30am PST

Acabomb: Tritones

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:30am - 11:37am PST
Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Performance, Acabomb

11:30am PST

Lunch

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:30am - 1:30pm PST
Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Lunch

11:37am PST

Acabomb: Bare Rhythm

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:37am - 11:50am PST
Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Performance, Acabomb

11:50am PST

Masterclass: BFOM

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Robert Lee

Voice Coach, Director, The Vocal Gym

Robert is a director, arranger, voice coach, and organizer based in the SF Bay Area. He directed The Jabberwocks of Brown University, where he received several CARA nominations for his arrangements. Since moving to the Bay Area in 2017, Robert sang with Fog City Singers (BHS International... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:50am - 12:40pm PST
I203 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

11:50am PST

Masterclass: In Full Colour

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Danny Olefsky

Danny's aca-obsession began at age 8, and — between multiple high school, collegiate, and post-collegiate groups — he’s been singing and beatboxing for most of his life. With a degree in Recording Industry Studies from Butler University, Danny took a detour to work as a video... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:50am - 12:40pm PST
I301 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

11:50am PST

Masterclass: Rhymes With Orange

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Nina Kasuya

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:50am - 12:40pm PST
I305 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

11:50am PST

Masterclass: Take It SLO

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

David Fowler

Fowler Production LLC

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:50am - 12:40pm PST
I303 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

11:50am PST

Masterclass: Tritones

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Armand Hutton

Armand Hutton is a bass singer, songwriter, producer, and 2x GRAMMY®️ nominated arranger who resides in Nashville, TN. The Maryland native has performed with Take 6, Quincy Jones, Ludacris, Lionel Richie, Michael Bublé, and Coldplay (with the latter’s front man Chris Martin... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:50am - 12:40pm PST
I201 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

11:50am PST

Masterclass: Unstrumental

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Beth Rohde

Music Director, Coast Music

Beth Rohde is a singer, educator and music director. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Music Production from Berklee College of Music, and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from USC where she was awarded a full-tuition Ella Fitzgerald Foundation Scholarship... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 11:50am - 12:40pm PST
I207 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

12:45pm PST

Masterclass: Bare Rhythm

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Pipeline Vocal Project

Pipeline Vocal Project is an a cappella trio from Alaska that puts a twist on well-known favorites from all eras, whether it’s crossing decades or genres. Bringing together their diverse cultural background, Pipeline sings in various languages and styles, including but not limited... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 12:45pm - 1:35pm PST
I207 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

12:45pm PST

Masterclass: Bucket List

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

David Fowler

Fowler Production LLC

Zachary Jordan

Born and raised in Cayce, SC, Zach Jordan is an aspiring arranger, performer, producer, and recording engineer with big dreams and an even bigger heart. Zach graduated from Clemson University in 2021 with two degrees: a B.S in Electrical Engineering and a B.A. in Performing Arts... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 12:45pm - 1:35pm PST
I303 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

12:45pm PST

Masterclass: Nor'Easters

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Spencer Camacho

Professor of Leadership Studies and Music Theory, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Saturday February 18, 2023 12:45pm - 1:35pm PST
I305 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

12:45pm PST

Masterclass: Random Voices

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Giovani Malcolm

Vocalist | Senior Partner | Social Media Digital Coordinator, IU Jacobs School of Music | JUV Consulting | Civic Nation

Native Jamaican Baritone, Giovani Malcolm, is a storyteller, strategist, and activist. He recently won the first prize in the Classical and Hall Johnson Spiritual categories in the Greater Philadelphia National Association of Teacher of Singing Student Auditions. In 2022, Giovani... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 12:45pm - 1:35pm PST
I203 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

12:45pm PST

Masterclass: Resonance

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

Glenn Clancy

Chief Engineer, Studio 37

Saturday February 18, 2023 12:45pm - 1:35pm PST
I201 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

12:45pm PST

Masterclass: Upper Structure

1-on-1 Masterclass/Group Coaching with Instructor

Instructors

David Sager

Arranger / Producer / Audio Engineer / Vocalist / Beatboxer

Currently David can be found singing with Downtown Disney's a cappella group WestBeat. He's been arranging, beatboxing, and singing a cappella for almost 10 years now and loves putting his creative spins on arrangements.

Saturday February 18, 2023 12:45pm - 1:35pm PST
I301 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Group Coaching, Masterclass

1:40pm PST

Essential Voice Technique for Ensemble Singers

Singers will learn how to be better ensemble members and soloists by working on essential
technical exercises to improve range, flexibility, breath support and much more. Artistry is often
compromised when dealing with the limitations of our instruments. Beth will provide tools to
help singers address their limitations and improve their tone, range, control and overall
musicianship.

Instructors

Beth Rohde

Music Director, Coast Music

Saturday February 18, 2023 1:40pm - 2:30pm PST
I201 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Performance/Singing/Directing

1:40pm PST

Harmonious Leadership – less frustration, more fulfillment for directors

Ever feel frustrated as a director? Unmet potential and under-engagement leaving you feeling ungratified? Helpless? Burnt out? Let’s change that. In this workshop, you will clarify your north stars & pitfalls, get in touch with your singer’s core drivers, and chart a path towards sustainable & fulfilling leadership.

Instructors

Robert Lee

Voice Coach, Director, The Vocal Gym

Saturday February 18, 2023 1:40pm - 2:30pm PST
I203 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Managing/Directing

1:40pm PST

The Sound of säje: From Mäking Music to Mäking Moves

Instructors

säje

The GRAMMY® nominated vocal supergroup, säje (rhymes with “beige”), is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Born out of close friendship and incredibly deep admiration, these world-renowned artists, composers... Read More →

Saturday February 18, 2023 1:40pm - 2:30pm PST
I202 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Managing/Directing

1:40pm PST

VP Technique for Performance and Production

Vocal Percussionists will come away from this class with the knowledge of how to augment their
style and performance for the purpose of on-mic performance and session recording.

Instructors

David Fowler

Fowler Production LLC

Saturday February 18, 2023 1:40pm - 2:30pm PST
I204 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Performance/Percussing

2:35pm PST

Acabomb: BFOM

Saturday February 18, 2023 2:35pm - 2:50pm PST
Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Performance, Acabomb

2:50pm PST

Let’s Be Real About Social Media for A Cappella

Want to blow up on TikTok or Instagram doing what you love? This course is designed to give
musicians/a capella groups the tools to create engaging content that will reach your core
audience, receive high engagement and help you build a loyal following. Built for musicians by
musicians, this course will provide step by step instructions that will help you creatively plan
content you love!

Instructors

Giovani Malcolm

Vocalist | Senior Partner | Social Media Digital Coordinator, IU Jacobs School of Music | JUV Consulting | Civic Nation

Saturday February 18, 2023 2:50pm - 3:40pm PST
I201 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Performance/Production

2:50pm PST

Picking Perfect Syllables

Arrangers & directors - well selected syllables do half the work for you, prescribing tone, technique, style, even attitude / energy / emotion. Learn practical guidelines for crafting and teaching perfect syllables.

Instructors

Robert Lee

Voice Coach, Director, The Vocal Gym

Saturday February 18, 2023 2:50pm - 3:40pm PST
I203 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Arranging

2:50pm PST

Finding the Groove

Nuances of The Rhythm Section: dissecting the art of achieving musical one-ness between the bass and VP and learning how to utilize them in group singing

Instructors

Armand Hutton

Saturday February 18, 2023 2:50pm - 4:20pm PST
I204 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Featured Workshop, Percussing

3:40pm PST

All Ears

How many times have you been told “listen more than you sing,” but how long have you actually spent practicing that? In this hands-on (ears-on?) workshop, we will all be doing singing exercises that will heighten our level of musicality as an ensemble, simply by listening to each other more. We’ll be singing as a group - no preparation needed - and all skill levels are invited. All we require is a lot of focus.

Instructors

Danny Olefsky

Saturday February 18, 2023 3:40pm - 4:30pm PST
I207 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Singing/Warm-ups

3:40pm PST

Bewildered to Bejeweled: How to Make Your Arrangement Shimmer with Three Levels of Learning Tracks

Attendees will be guided through three levels of part tape creation, with insightful tips on the creation of (1) part tapes using arranging software, (2) vocal demos recorded with free software available on most smartphones (demonstrated with a live and interactive recording exercise in BandLab), and (3) vocal demos recorded with paid software and hardware.
https://sojam22bejeweled.my.canva.site/

Instructors

Zachary Jordan

Saturday February 18, 2023 3:40pm - 4:30pm PST
I201 - Innovation Building - Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

General Session, Arranging/Production

4:30pm PST

Acabomb: In Full Colour

Saturday February 18, 2023 4:30pm - 4:45pm PST
Santa Monica High School 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Performance, Acabomb

7:30pm PST

Professional Showcase

Feat. Pipeline Vocal Project and säje

Instructors

Pipeline Vocal Project

säje

Saturday February 18, 2023 7:30pm - 9:45pm PST
El Segundo High School PAC 640 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Performance, Professional Concert

9:45pm PST

Saturday Night Afterparty!

After a long day of classes, workshops, and an amazing Pro Show, come celebrate with us at Tavern on Main!

Saturday February 18, 2023 9:45pm - 11:59pm PST
Tavern on Main 123 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Afterparty

2:00pm PST

Scholastic Competition

Competitors: Nor'Easters (Northeastern University), Resonance (UCLA), Unstrumental (Calabasas High School), Bucket List (University of Waterloo), Random Voices (UCLA), Upper Structure (Berklee School of Music) | Feat. SoCal VoCals (USC)

Sunday February 19, 2023 2:00pm - 4:30pm PST
El Segundo High School PAC 640 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Performance, Scholastic Competition

4:45pm PST

Sunday Farewell Afterparty

Phew, what a weekend! Let's get together one last time before going back to our everyday lives. Thank you all for coming out and making wonderful musical waves with us.

Sunday February 19, 2023 4:45pm - 6:45pm PST
Rock and Brews 143 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Afterparty