VocaSol is authenticity
VocaSol is accessibility
VocaSol is community
VocaSol is a unique approach to collective music-making that's grounded in authenticity and accessibility for singers of all ages (high school students and older), gender identities, and abilities.
No auditions, no exhaustive rehearsals or time commitments, and no prior choral experience are needed to participate in this one-evening-once-a-month choir. Simply come as you are, share your voice, and create beautiful music alongside new friends.
Each month we focus on one fresh, innovative a cappella arrangement from VocaSol founders Emily Drum and MaryAnne Muglia. Together with PBC Artistic Director Herbert Washington, these incredibly talented facilitators provide all the tools you need to experience the one-of-a-kind magic of communal singing.
We joyously celebrate each unique and vibrant voice under the sun in a community that's all about breaking boundaries and finding harmony in individuality.
Welcome to the VocaSol Community!
VocaSol is the music-making opportunity you've been waiting for
VocaSol Wraps Up Our First Exciting Season on May 3rd
VocaSol is quickly becoming THE place to be for engaging choral singing that speaks to the soul. There's room for everyone in this innovative, open, and welcoming community where like-minded people can come together to make some truly great music, all brilliantly arranged and taught by VocaSol's own Emily Drum and MaryAnne Muglia.
Registration will be open soon for our final session of the season on FRIDAY, MAY 3rd.
When:
Friday, May 3, 2024
6:00 - 8:30 pm
Where:
Phoenix Boys Choir
1131 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix
Cost:
After you've registered, we'll send you a link to the sheet music and practice tracks for the current session's song. Register now and start singing today!
$15 (additional donations welcome)
Facilitators:
MaryAnne Muglia, Emily Drum, and Herbert Washington
VocaSol FAQs . . .
HOW DO I LEARN THE MUSIC?
Once you've registered, you'll receive a Dropbox link to sheet music and part tracks so you can practice independently in advance. If you don't have time to practice, no worries. Simply show up and sing! At the event we'll meet each other and work through the music together. Before the evening ends, we'll perform the piece and record both audio and video for you to share with friends.
DO I NEED TO READ MUSIC OR HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE AS A CHORAL SINGER?
No! The music can be successfully learned with accessible part tracks and on-site instruction. All you need is a desire to add your voice to the mix.
CAN I STILL COME IF I DON'T REGISTER IN ADVANCE?
Absolutely! Registration gives you early access to all our materials (sheet music and tracks), and obviously we'd appreciate having an advance head count, but we know sometimes plans change. Please join us with or without advance registration - and bring your friends!
HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT THE NEXT VOCASOL EXPERIENCE?
About one week after the completion of a session, we'll share information about the next opportunity to be a part of the VocaSol community.
WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
We've tried to think of everything here, but if you have questions, you can email us at info@boyschoir.org.
VocaSol is passionate leadership
VocaSol is vibrant musicality
VocaSol is next-level innovation
Meet The VocaSol Facilitator Team
MARYANNE MUGLIA-SMITH
EMILY DRUM
HERBERT WASHINGTON
MaryAnne Muglia
MaryAnne Muglia-Smith (she/her) is a multi-instrumentalist singer, composer, and arranger from Tempe, Arizona. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Choral Music Education from Northern Arizona University, where she was a member of the top vocal jazz and choral ensembles.
MaryAnne's vocal abilities have led her to sing in choirs alongside esteemed artists such as Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman, The Real Group, and Pentatonix. Following her graduation, she produced and recorded an EP and three full-length albums for various projects she's been actively involved in.
Notably, MaryAnne serves as an arranger and group director for A Cappella Academy, an intensive a cappella camp co-founded by Ben Bram, Rob Dietz, and Avi Kaplan. Her arrangements are in high demand, catering to a wide spectrum of high school ensembles, collegiate ensembles, and professional ensembles all over the world.
She is currently the director of the Vocal Jazz ensemble and “Vocal Remedy,” the premiere A Cappella ensemble at Chandler Gilbert Community College.
MaryAnne is also an enthusiastic member of the TikTok group @rldazemusic, a treble group in which she frequently participates in performances and recording sessions. MaryAnne is looking forward to working with the VocaSol community and making beautiful music and memories!
Learn more about MaryAnne and her work at maryannemuglia.com.
Emily Drum
Emily Drum (she/her) is a singer, arranger, composer, vocal producer, songwriter, and educator from Tucson, AZ. She is an award-winning talent renowned in the a cappella world and beyond. She resides in Mesa where she is a freelance vocal writer as well as a vocal coach at Mesquite High School, where she coaches their a cappella club, Spectrum.
Emily went to the University of Arizona, where she immersed herself in the world of choir and a cappella. It was here that she became the driving force behind the award-winning A cappella group, Amplified, directing, arranging, and producing for them. In addition to leading the group to historic success in the Varsity Vocals competition, ‘ICCA’, her arrangements earned her the 'Outstanding Arrangement' award on four separate occasions. In addition to Amplified, Emily started composing choral music for the top auditioned choir at UArizona which led to her involvement with The Helios Ensemble as the Composer In Residence since 2022.
Since 2021, Emily has been a part of the a cappella power quartet, Red Letter Daze, for which she sings, arranges, produces, and creates content. This group along with her involvement in countless other a cappella recording projects have made her the nominee and/or recipient of over 15 Contemporary Acappella Recording Awards for her work as an arranger, songwriter, and producer. As a producer and recording artist, she has had her hand in over 10 vocal albums, EPs, and singles since her time in college. In addition to producing and writing vocal music, Emily writes and releases her own original music as an independent artist. She shares her art online to an audience of 18k Tiktok followers.
Today, Emily is in high demand as a vocal arranger/composer that writes for groups all over the country, from high school ensembles to top-ranked collegiate a cappella groups to semi-professional choirs. Emily is excited to share and expand her love of vocal music with the VocaSol community as a facilitator and arranger.
Learn more about Emily and her work at emilydrummusic.com.
Herbert Washington
Herbert Washington (he/him) is the Harvey K. Smith Artistic Director and an alumnus of the Grammy-award winning Phoenix Boys Choir. Recognized for his dynamic teaching style and his ability to instill a love for the choral arts, he is a frequent choral clinician, conductor, lecturer, and adjudicator for regional festivals, workshops, and conferences around the country.
Beyond the scope of choral music education, Herbert is a champion and an advocate for diverse styles of music. He has ongoing efforts in producing, composing, and arranging radio and commercial music. He has collaborated with leaders in the music industry, including Grammy Award-winning Tori Kelly, Jordin Sparks, Bret Michaels, and Jason Derulo.
While working toward his B.A., he was a tenor, counter-tenor, and soloist in the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Dr. Anton Armstrong, and he directed “Voices of Praise,” the St. Olaf Gospel Choir. Upon graduating from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and earning a dual B.A. in Music and Fine Arts, Herbert went on to receive an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona. While under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Schauer and Dr. Bruce Chamberlain at U of A, Washington founded the all-male winning ensemble Meow or Never A Cappella (formerly known as Cat Call) before graduating in 2009.
In previous capacities, Herbert served as Church Music Director at Oro Valley United Church of Christ, instructed at Teleos Preparatory Academy, and directed for the Phoenix Boys Choir and the Phoenix Children’s Chorus. He also served as the Director of Middle and High School Choral Activities at Gilbert Christian Schools.
Herbert is a proud member of the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA), former ACDA Western Division Chair board member (WDACDA), and currently serves as the Repertoire and Resource Chair for Children’s Choirs & Community Youth for the Arizona American Choral Directors Association (AzACDA). Herbert resides in Phoenix with his beloved wife, Yadira, and their sons Yadian and Elian.
VocaSol is a safe space
VocaSol is a positive community
VocaSol is a place to belong
No Long-Term Commitment: Unlike traditional choirs that require an ongoing commitment, VocaSol's one-day choir format offers a brief yet impactful musical experience without the need for extended dedication.
Accessible to All: Open to beginners and experienced singers alike, a one-day choir welcomes participants of varying skill levels, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.
Condensed Learning: Through focused rehearsals, you'll swiftly grasp vocal techniques, harmonies, and musical nuances, making it an ideal opportunity to enhance your singing abilities in a short time frame.
Immediate Results: With the culmination of the evening marked by a performance, you'll witness the transformation of individual voices into a harmonious ensemble, reaping the rewards of collaborative effort in just a few hours.
Time-Efficient: Perfect for busy schedules, a one-day choir provides a chance to indulge in your passion for singing without the long-term commitments that might otherwise be challenging to manage.
Flexibility: With various one-day choir events throughout the year, you can choose opportunities that align with your schedule and preferences, ensuring a tailored musical experience.
Build Community: Collaborating with fellow participants who share your enthusiasm for music creates instant connections, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment.
Boost Confidence: Stepping into a group dynamic and contributing to a collective musical piece can significantly boost self-assurance, helping you feel more comfortable expressing your voice and your truth.
Explore New Musical Realms: One-day choirs often delve into diverse musical genres, allowing you to explore new styles and expand your artistic horizons in a condensed time frame.
Relieve Stress: Immersing yourself in music for an evening offers a therapeutic escape from daily stressors, providing an opportunity to channel emotions and find solace in harmony.
Create Memories: The unique intensity of a one-day choir builds memories that stand out, offering an enriching musical adventure you can look back on fondly.
Unleash Creativity: The immersive nature of a one-day choir allows you to fully focus on music, potentially sparking new creative ideas and inspirations beyond the event itself.