Vocal Improvisation with Latin and Caribbean Rhythms

Dive into Latin and Caribbean rhythms through Vocal Improvisation!

Join Rosi Amador, for a dynamic 2-hour workshop designed for those interested in deepening their practice with improvisational singing and circle songs. In this session, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Latin and Caribbean polyrhythms, exploring the joy of vocal improvisation in a group setting.

Rosi will guide you through techniques for Latin and Brazilian body percussion, along with vocal percussion that mimics the energetic sounds of a salsa band. You’ll learn how to recreate the beats of claves, congas, bongos, timbales, and more, alongside vocalizations of trumpet, bass, maracas, strings, and other instruments. Get ready to unleash your creativity, deepen your rhythmic skills, and connect with others through the power of shared musical expression!

Please note: This workshop is limited to 20 participants. (min 8 participants - please RSVP in advance)

All voices are not only welcome but celebrated in this inclusive space, but also, you must posess a willingness to step into the middle of the circle and be heard and seen in the spirit of collective song.

PLEASE NOTE: this event is tailored for adults (not children), though we extend a warm welcome to older teens with a passion for singing. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to explore the limitless possibilities of your voice.

MEDIA CONSENT: Capturing and sharing what we create is an essential component of our growth as a community and also a way to stay connect to folks who are note able to attend. Therefore, photos and videos will be taken at each gathering — by attending, you consent to being a part of that media, some of which may be posted online! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]

**PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN WATER AND WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES AND CLOTHING.

***$50 price tag too expensive? Send an email to [email protected] - Scholarship may be available!

About Rosi:

Rosi was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico of Puerto Rican and Argentine descent, to performer parents. Her mother, stage actress Josefina del Mar, performed in the USO with Jerry Lewis, Dean Lewis and Bob Hope and in Mexico with the beloved comedic actor “Cantinflas”. She had her own television variety show in Puerto Rico on a major television network in the 50’s. Her father, Jaime Andrada was a star in radio dramas and became one of the radio hosts of Voice of America also in the 50’s. When they married they decided to start their lives in Puerto Rico where Rosi was born. Rosi started singing at a very young age and never stopped! She co-founded her first Latin band, Flor de Caña with her husband Brian in 1984 and after touring extensively nationally and internationally they launched Sol y Canto in 1994 which is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary this year with a new album (September 20th release date), “En tu órbita” (In Your Orbit). Available on all platforms and on the band website, www.solycanto.com Their YouTube channel features a video featuring the title cut, an original by Brian, “En tu órbita” performed in their trio format submitted to NPR’s Tiny Desk. It was highlighted in the Tiny Desk newsletter immediately upon its submission. You can find their social media profiles and music on all digital platforms under “Sol y Canto”. They also have a bilingual children’s album on their @SolyCantoKids Spotify channel. In addition to making music, which is her passion, she is also the founder of her bilingual English/Spanish voice actor with her family business, Amador Bilingual Voiceovers, est. 2009. 

Rosi currently lives in Cambridge, MA with her composer/guitarist husband and their 2 1/2 year old terrier mutt, Pepito. She has been studying vocal improvisation and body percussion for more than 10 years with the master vocal improvisation mentor, Rhiannon, as well as with other recognized vocal and body percussion improvisation coaches including Guillermo Rozenthuler, Sofia Ribeiro, Juan Ospina, Rizumik and Música do Círculo in Brazil and attended Bobby McFerrin's circle singing school in 2022. She is currently studying Latin vocal percussion techniques with one of the founders of the renowned Cuban vocal percussion ensemble, Vocal Sampling, the Cuban group that made a splash in the late 90’s/early 2000’s by sounding just like musical instruments with their voices and uncannily replicated the sound of metals, percussion and strings. She can't wait to share what she learns with the world.

Host or Publisher Chicago Circle Singing