About David Worm

Singing percussion is something I came to out of necessity at first. In order to complete musical ideas in an a cappella context, I realized I would need to use body sounds to simulate percussive instrumentation. At first, I spent a lot of time cleaning off the inside of my windshield, since I practiced vocal percussion while driving my truck. Then I began to string these ideas together and came up with grooves. The groove is so important to me, it just seems natural to want to sing the whole idea at one time using my exhalation and inhalation to make sounds. It's a wonderful balancing act to make all the parts fit and still be able to breathe! I use everything - my tongue, lips, hands, chest, and breath. It's toally-immersion singing really - to the point of hyperventilation - not so much from being out of breath as from just being so focused tonally, rhythmically - so committed. The study of vocal percuussion is great way to experience the many cultures and musical identities of the world. To know their rhythms is to connect wiith the heartbeat of their societies - a celebration of their humanity.

Featuring


Joey Blake

bass vocals
about joey
The bass is the foundation of most musical ensembles. It is responsible for setting the musical style and harmonic structure, and for keeping the time and feel intact... Read more


Laurel Murphy

blend
about laurel
Blend is the heart of ensemble singing. It is quite the opposite of singing solo. You have to drop back and find a common sound, matching the other voices in pitch, volume, tone... Read more


Linda Tillery

gospel tradition
about linda
It really all began in the fields, on the plantations - secret prayer meetings held deep in the woods. Harmony, syncopated rhythms,  blues - a whole lot of feeling... 
Read more


Jeanie Tracy

the soloist in gospel
about jeanie
The soloist is never separate from the choir. She or he works with the ensemble, often repeating the choir's words, deepening and expanding them...   Read more


David Worm

mouth percussion
about david
Singing percussion is something I came to out of necessity at first. In order to complete musical ideas in an a cappella context, I realized I would need to use body sounds...  Read more