From his work coaching Emmy-winning actors to teaching Klingon war chants on a Star Trek set, former Nylons singer Micah Barnes has built a diverse and fascinating career in music. Now, he is bringing his talents to Calgary with a special one-man performance and an exclusive vocal master class for aspiring singers.
A Star Trek Adventure in Vocal Coaching
In a recent episode of the new Star Trek series, Starfleet Academy, viewers witnessed a surprising scene: Klingon characters gathered around a campfire, singing a war chant. Behind this unusual musical moment was Micah Barnes, the acclaimed vocal coach and former baritone of the a cappella group the Nylons.
Barnes, who has worked with clients like Grammy-winning singer J.P. Saxe and Orphan Black actress Tatiana Maslany, found himself on a cliff in Halton Hills near Toronto, teaching actors to sing in Klingon. "That is really not something that you need a lot of finesse to vocalize: A war chant in Klingon," Barnes explained in an interview. "What ends up being a very short period of time on screen took hours of rehearsal and hours on set for the actors to be able to pull it off."
Mastering the Guttural Language
While Barnes may not consider himself a hardcore Trekkie, he embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. "Is there anybody on the planet who hasn’t enjoyed watching Star Trek?" he mused. However, learning Klingon proved to be no easy feat. "It’s very challenging because it’s so guttural. It’s such an ugly language. It actually hurts your throat," he admitted.
Working alongside a detail-oriented dialect coach, Barnes had to teach the actors to sing in Klingon while simultaneously grasping the nuances of the language himself. This experience added another layer to his already impressive resume, which includes three seasons as a vocal coach on Canada’s Got Talent.
Bringing Jazz and Performance to Calgary
This weekend, Barnes will showcase both his performing and coaching skills in Calgary. On March 8, he will present his one-man show, Up on the Roof: An Evening with Micah Barnes, at the Polaris Theatre. The performance promises to blend jazz-pop originals and standards, highlighting the suave style that has defined his solo career.
An Exclusive Vocal Master Class
Prior to the show, on March 7, Barnes will host a three-hour master class titled The Art of Vocal Jazz at the Attic. Accompanied by jazz pianist Chris Tauchner, Barnes will guide vocalists through essential techniques, including:
- Tempo and tone control
- Selecting appropriate material
- Stage movement and presence
- Engaging between-song patter
This workshop offers a unique opportunity for local singers to learn from a seasoned professional who has worked with some of the industry’s biggest names.
A Career of Colorful Chapters
For fans familiar with Barnes’ smooth baritone in the Nylons or his elegant solo performances, the image of him coaching Klingon war chants might seem unexpected. Yet, it perfectly illustrates the versatility and depth of his career. From a cappella harmonies to sci-fi soundtracks, Barnes continues to explore new creative avenues while sharing his expertise with others.
As he prepares for his Calgary engagements, Barnes reflects on the joy of bringing music to diverse audiences. Whether on a Star Trek set or a Calgary stage, his passion for vocal artistry remains unwavering, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend his shows and classes.
