For the past five years, Sarah Anderson, Esme Patterson and Genny Patterson have been known around Denver as the singers for the highly successful band . Now the trio is embarking on a way to use their talents to give back.
Last month the ladies held their first “Finding Your Voice,” workshop for kids in the area, and held their second one Oct. 12-13 at Leon Art Gallery for teenagers and younger children.
Anderson said the idea was sparked when the singers were asked to teach voice workshops at a few festivals at which they performed recently.
“They went really, really well and we thought we could do this in Denver with kids,” Anderson said.
The singers worked with teenagers on Oct. 12 and with younger kids on Oct. 13. However, the workshops are not just about learning to sing.
They also taught students about movement, listening and, in a sense, finding their voice.
“Being a good singer is about listening. That is a huge thing that we’re trying to impart to the little ones,” Esme Patterson said.
The singers also worked on how to open up as a singer. All three said that was a challenge at first, but were glad to see some of the shy students open up.
“So many people think that singing is scary or you have to be perfect. None of us really feel that way,” Genny Patterson said.
Nicole Dominic sent her 4-year-old daughter, Sofia Pelletier, to the first workshop. She said her daughter talked about it so much she sent her back in October.
“The ladies are so incredibly sweet and wonderful to the kids, and I find it amazing that they take the time out of their busy schedules to do this,” Dominic said.
The workshops have not been advertised except through social media and page, but they still had a good turnout for the $30 October workshops. Anderson said it’s something they hope to continue.
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396 or jvaccarelli@denverpost.com
