Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarice Assad.
Clarice, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a composer, pianist and singer originally from Brazil. In 2010, I began developing a workshop on spontaneous music creation and improvisation called VOXploration, in which participants use solely their voices and bodies as instruments to create music in a collective environment. This versatile workshop can take many forms and work in multiple scenarios as a standalone force, or across several disciplines such as theater, dance, musical theater and other art forms.
My drive and inspiration for the creation of VOX is based on my belief that everyone is creative and everyone has a voice that should be heard. Also, in a world where we increasingly use technology to communicate with each other even when we are at very close proximities, I think it is more and more important to cultivate real, human relationships. Through VOX, magical connections can take place, for the simple fact that in order for the music to happen, everyone needs to be present and participate. Every single person is vital, no matter how small the parts they play.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Any art form that is not mainstream has a difficulty time reaching a great number of people. Since part of my mission is to teach music, I am also faced with yet another challenge: Music education has been taken away from most American institutions, and It becomes twice as daunting to find opportunities, partners, or interest in a subject that is so poorly understood. However, with that said, obstacles exist so that we can find ways to surpass them. I really think music has the power to make a difference in people’s lives for the better, so as long as I am around, I will keep on finding ways to realize these visions.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with VOXploration – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am really proud of the many positive changes I have seen take place while applying the workshop. I have use VOX as a tool to empower young women to achieve greater means of self-expression trough creative songwriting, music production and singing – I have also been honored to collaborate with youth groups as an improvised choir on a massive project involving the Boston Landmarks Orchestra and other professional musicians… kids who had never stepped on a stage in their lives, were able to have this unique experience of making music on a tremendously high and personal level. The excitement I heard in their voices is something I will never forget.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Now, that I am involved with the Old Town School of Folk Music, an institution highly committed to bringing music education to all parts of the city, there are several projects being discussed for the future. Recently, Old Town has partnered with artists and educators Ernest Dawkins and Rahul Sharma to create a new work designed to engage up to 1,000 young musicians in an exploration of rich musical heritage of Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. We are discussing possibilites on how to bring my workshop into the mix for a new project, which will take place in 2020.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clariceassad.com
- Phone: 646-831-1870
- Email: cassad@me.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarice.assad
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/clariceassad?lang=en
Image Credit:
Courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra & Brazil Camp in California
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