Breaking vocal barriers, one live show at a time.

Published 4:02 pm Tuesday, January 5, 2016

By Heather Spaulding

Journal reporter

As part of the San Juan Community Theater’s ongoing series “Off the Rock,” Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m., “The Beauty of Dared Expression” brings a menagerie of interactive lecture and demonstration as well as a concert by actor singer, writer and teacher Ethelyn Friend and pianist/composer Gary Grunde. This concert will include wide variety of music genres all done using 8 octave voice.

During the lecture and demonstration audience goers will learn the history of extended or “eight octive” voice. This type of vocalizing originated from the Roy Hart Theater in England, and was spread throughout France during the 60s and 70s. This form of expression changed the face of the performance world.

The goal was to expand the potential of the human body and break the barriers of the human voice. In other words, the labels of bass an soprano were thrown out the window. In eight octive voice, everyone could use their full range. The Roy Heart Troop became known for their wild practices, which, Friend said, included screaming, even breaking things. And they invite audience participation at every show. The troop tours to this day, which is an unusual length of time for performer’s to remain together.

“I want everyone to feel comfortable to come, no matter if you feel you can sing or not. Singing and making sounds is a human birthright,” Friend said.

Tickets for this event are $15 for adults, $8 for students and can be purchased at www.sjctheatre.org. On Jan. 17 and 18 from 12 to 6 p.m. a follow up workshop will be held in the Gubelman room. Tickets for the workshop are $60, scholarships are available. There is only space for 14 people, and those 14 will learn how to practice two songs, and a have at least one on one coaching session with Friend and Grunde. For more info, visit www.sjctheatre.org.