National A Cappella & Choral Convention 2025

Get ready to move and play! This workshop will introduce simple, fun improv games and activities that groups can use to help focus and energize groups in preparation for rehearsals or performances. Join Scott Cobban from Five O'Clock Shadow in this interactive improvisation workshop!

Discover the 5 Step Rehearsal Method used by hundreds of directors around the world, including ICCA and ICHSA Champions, CARA winners, professional groups, high school groups, college groups, and more. The Next Level Method addresses all of the aspects of creating a successful contemporary a cappella performance.

“Music Metamorphosis”, attendees will learn strategies to critically analyze scores written in-house and how they can collaborate to tweak and evolve the music. A cappella arrangers work diligently to put together a score perfect for their group. That said, sometimes the music on paper does not hit as imagined once it is being sung in rehearsal. Back to the drawing board? No! Let’s make the adjustments needed WITH your singers! In this rehearsal simulation, singers will be given an arrangement to sing. Participants will identify moments of opportunity within the sheet music - whether it is dynamics, syllables, harmony, or more - that will make the music that much more impactful.

As lead vocalists, we have a variety of tools at our disposal to build a world for our audience to live in. Through facial expressions, gesture, body language, posture, movement, and primal vocal sounds, we can craft compelling stories that connect deeply with our listeners. This class will help you explore and refine these tools, empowering you to deliver performances that captivate and move your audience.

*The second half of the class will run in a masterclass-style format, where Jon will work with individual students on their solo delivery. Interested students should come prepared to sing a verse and chorus of a song.

NACC headliner Five O'Clock Shadow reveals the secrets behind their sound. Learn new ways to build your group's sound with the help of live effects such as looping, distortion, and pitch shifter. Volunteer your skills and join them on stage as they build a band complete with drums, bass, and guitar.