This workshop will explore different approaches to bluegrass vocal harmony and the various ways in which a singer can approach backup vocals. We will look at traditional duet harmonies focusing on tenor as well as trio harmonies with an emphasis on baritone. After that, we will investigate some more contemporary approaches to harmony singing and trace their development from other genres. Specific examples will come from bluegrass bands like Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, Hot Rize, Allison Krauss & Union Station, and the Bluegrass Album Band.
The workshop will aim to provide a comprehensive approach to composing bluegrass harmonies and specific tools for putting your own creative spin on the traditional approach to harmony singing!
Jesse Iaquinto is the mandolinist, lead vocalist and founding member of Asheville, North Carolina bluegrass band Fireside Collective. Originally classically trained on piano, Iaquinto fell in love with the colorful harmonies and exciting instrumental approach of bluegrass music during his college years at East Carolina University. In 2009, he moved to the mountains of North Carolina to study folk, old-time, and country music and to hone his bluegrass chops in the rich acoustic music community of Asheville. With Fireside Collective, Jesse has played over 800 shows, toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, and released 3 albums of original music.
Harmony has been a passion of Jesse’s ever since he began singing in church choir at a young age. He studied classical theory throughout his formal school years and was the member of various select vocal ensembles. Jesse also held a number of leading roles in school musicals and even started his own a cappella group. In college, he spent a year studying musical theater, taking voice lessons and learning the ins and outs of stage performance. After relocating from New York to North Carolina, Jesse earned a degree in philosophy and a minor in psychology at ECU. All of these experiences contribute to Jesse’s thorough understanding of vocal harmonies and allow him to discuss the many unique approaches one can take to create exciting and effective bluegrass harmonies!
NOTE: This workshop will be recorded and distributed to registered attendees for use as a learning tool. A highlights video will be produced and shared to promote future workshops and events.
PineCone is committed to making our programs accessible and welcoming to all. To request accommodations (Zoom or tech help; captions; etc) for this or any upcoming PineCone events, please e-mail Jamie or call 919-664-8333 x4.
You will receive a registration confirmation email with details for joining the workshop. Please be sure that your email address is entered correctly and check your spam or promotions folder if you do not receive the confirmation email. If you are still unable to locate the email confirmation and have not received the reminder email by 5pm the day of the workshop, please call or text Courtney at 919-516-9049.