October 1, 2000 Vol. E1, No. 1 In this issue: welcome, classes and workshops, the “Out and About Calendar”, information about VOX: the vocal group, CD release announcement

Welcome to the first newsletter issued by the Vocal Arts Development Group (VADG). You will see this name more frequently now as it encompasses the private voice studios of Carolyn and Phoebe Binkley, the Southeastern Institute of the Vocal Arts (SEIVA) and its course offerings and services, the VOX singer referral agency andVOX: the vocal group. In upcoming newsletters, you will be introduced to each of these entities in greater detail.

The newsletter will contain much of the same information as the “infosheets” you have been receiving over the last year, only from more direct and more accurate sources. Our goal is to send out the timeliest audition information available. If you are on the e-mail list, you should receive an ALERT from SEIVA anytime we receive information about an audition between issues of the newsletter.

Finally, the newsletter will issue printed monthly editions which will contain special features, photographs, order forms and other items better suited to hard copy.

The Nashville Numbers System Class, Level One, is a two-day class that teaches the principles of the music notation most commonly used by studio musicians in Nashville. The class, taught by Carolyn Binkley, is being offered on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8, from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, and from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. SEIVA is offering this class for $85, inexpensive for such invaluable skills! Class is limited to 10 people and is almost full, so sign up as soon as you can! To reserve a space, call 832-1629. Level Two is not required, but will be offered on the weekend of October 28 and 29, if you are interested. If you are going to take both classes, it will cost $150., a savings of $20. Remember: If you've already taken the class, but would like a review, this class is free to you !

The OUT AND ABOUT calendar CAROLYN BINKLEY will be singing for WSM radio’s 75th Anniversary Special. The subject is “Recreating History”, and at 5 AM Thursday morning, October 5. Don’t worry--you don’t have to get up that early. It will be rebroadcast at 7pm that night. And no, Carolyn didn’t sing on the first broadcast 75 years ago, but an opera singer did. Although, singing live on WSM radio in the early morning is not a new thing for Carolyn. She used to sing with the Waking Crew in 1978-79, the only live radio show with a full orchestra. Check her out.

VOX: the vocal group will be presenting its debut concert on Monday evening, November 6 at 7pm. The location will be announced next week. The concert will include everything from jazz to gospel, renaissance to musical theater, country to Christmas . . .

Speaking of Christmas, now is the time to book VOX for your company party. We will sing a variety of music, from carols to secular holiday favorites. We can perform a cappella or we can bring instrumentalists as well. Prices are negotiable depending on the time and the personnel requested. For booking information, contact Belinda Leslie at Belinda.Leslie@home.net

STILL speaking of Christmas, order your copy of our CD, due out in November: a VOX christmas If you order a copy now, the cost is $12. After release, it will be at least $15. You may request an order form from any member of the group or again, you may contact Belinda.

CD RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT: You may now purchase the debut CD of singer/songwriter Jaclyn Lisenby* produced byJeff Lisenby at Jim Prendergast Productions. For more information, call 615-361-1265 or e-mail urbane1@ix.netcom.com *student of Carolyn Binkley Remember, anything you want me to include in the newsletter MUST be turned in by Friday. Reaching us: e-mail at voxckb@aol.com or voice mail at (615) 832-1629.

In the next issue: voice competition information, upcoming auditions, about the Vocal Arts Development Group, career building