Sample Schedule

Each summer’s program is uniquely crafted, making it a program to which alumni can return and experience something new. All students, however, can expect a rigorous but fulfilling schedule of rehearsals, workshops, coaching sessions, performances and social opportunities.

Pre-Week Zoom Sessions

Please note that we will be looking to connect students with their assigned vocal coach and music director virtually prior to Songbook Academy week (TBA – but most likely in the month of June.) This will allow our team to begin arranging song selections and get a better understanding of what each student is looking to learn throughout their Songbook Academy experience. Students should be thinking about ONE song that they would like to sing as their primary solo performance piece during Songbook Academy week. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

What does the week look like?

This schedule is based on past Academy Week activities. It is NOT an official schedule! Mentor announcements and more scheduling information coming soon! Keep an eye on your email for updates throughout the summer.
 

• Saturday, July 12: Check-in at Butler University - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM; orientation meeting, welcome dinner and get-to-know-you activities
• Sunday, July 13: Rehearse group numbers for final show; workshops with mentors and clinicians; team rehearsals with assigned vocal coach and music director; welcome with Michael Feinstein
• Monday, July 14: Rehearse group numbers for final show; workshops with mentors and clinicians; team rehearsals with assigned vocal coach and music director; Michael Feinstein small group sessions
• Tuesday, July 15: Rehearse group numbers for final show; team rehearsals with assigned vocal coach and music director; workshops with mentors; Michael Feinstein small group sessions; Public Masterclass on the Payne & Mencias Palladium stage with Michael Feinstein and a soon to be announced guest mentor
• Wednesday, July 16: Rehearse group numbers for the final show; team rehearsals with musical directors; workshops with mentors and clinicians; special guest masterclasses
• Thursday, July 17: Team rehearsals with assigned vocal coach and music director; final showcase soundcheck, Songbook Showcase on the Payne & Mencias Palladium stage
• Friday, July 18: Workshops with mentors; technical rehearsal for Songbook Academy in Concert; Mentor Performance Night (program faculty perform for the students!)
• Saturday, July 19: Second technical rehearsal for Songbook Academy in Concert; Interviews and photos; prep for evening performance; Songbook Academy in Concert
• Sunday, July 20: Check-out at Butler University - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM; students are free to leave with families 
  

What does a day look like?

7:30 AM – Bus to Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts Campus

8:00 AM – Breakfast

9:00 AM – Warm-up and Group Rehearsal: Rehearse the production numbers for Saturday’s concert!

10:00 AM – Team Time: Opportunity to meet with your vocal coach and music director for individual coaching on your showcase song in a small-group setting with the peers on your team.

11:15 AM – Pilates for Performers: Learn how to take care of yourself and warm up your body as a singer through movement techniques such as pilates.

12:30 PM – Lunch

1:45 PM – Masterclass with celebrity guest mentor

3:15 PM – Small Group Vocal Technique Session

4:30 PM – Private Team Workshop with Michael Feinstein (Songbook Foundation Founder)

5:45 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Team Medley Rehearsal

8:15 PM – Bus to Butler dorms

8:45 PM – Free/social time at dorms

11:00 PM – Lights out!

What should students expect in coaching sessions and rehearsals?

• Though workshops and masterclasses will involve the full cohort of forty students, most of the core educational work takes place in an intimate setting led by a personal vocal coach, music director and “team” of eight students. This maximizes the opportunity for individual focus while deepening peer and mentor bonds.
• Students have daily “Team Time” for intimate, personalized coaching on their showcase song and performance skills.
• Team Medley and group rehearsals take place daily in preparation for the performance events. This also includes staging rehearsals for the medley.
  
  

What should students expect in guest workshops and masterclasses?

• Students sing and receive feedback from guest mentors. Though not everyone will perform in every class, there will be an equal opportunity to work throughout the week. ALL students attend and participate in all talkbacks, masterclasses or workshops offered by guest mentors.
• Specialty classes and industry workshops led by faculty take place throughout the week and can range from music business issues to learning a dance combination from a Broadway show.

What should students expect in the week's performances?

• Participants perform solo songs in the Songbook Showcase (on Thursday) and are also featured in team medleys and large group production numbers during Songbook Academy in Concert (on Saturday). There is also the possibility of solo performances during the concert. This selection process will take place towards the end of the week.
• All performances take place on the Payne & Mencias Palladium stage (a 1,600 seat state-of-the-art concert hall facility) in front of a public audience. The week's events are also livestreamed for national audiences!
• Every student gets the opportunity to sound check individually on the Payne & Mencias Palladium stage and participate in tech rehearsals for the performances.
• Check out some past performances!
  
  

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