Roomful of Teeth is a Grammy-winning vocal ensemble that was founded in 2009 by Brad Wells, a composer and conductor. The group is known for its innovative approach to vocal music, which draws on a wide range of techniques and styles from around the world. The ensemble's founding was inspired by Wells' interest in exploring the possibilities of the human voice as an instrument. He assembled a group of eight singers, each with a unique vocal background and skill set, to form Roomful of Teeth. The group's name is a reference to a line from a poem by Wallace Stevens, which describes the "roomful of teeth" that a person must confront when facing the unknown. The original members of Roomful of Teeth were Caroline Shaw, Estelí Gomez, Martha Cluver, Virginia Warnken, Cameron Beauchamp, Dashon Burton, Eric Dudley, and Wells himself. Each member brought a different set of vocal techniques and styles to the group, including Tuvan throat singing, yodeling, belting, and more. From the beginning, Roomful of Teeth set out to explore the full range of vocal possibilities, both in terms of technique and style. The group's repertoire includes works by contemporary composers such as Caroline Shaw, Judd Greenstein, and Ted Hearne, as well as traditional music from around the world. One of the group's early highlights was the premiere of Caroline Shaw's Pulitzer Prize-winning composition "Partita for 8 Voices" in 2012. The piece, which was written specifically for Roomful of Teeth, showcases the group's virtuosic vocal abilities and innovative approach to music-making. The work has since become a signature piece for the ensemble, and has been performed at venues around the world. In addition to its performances, Roomful of Teeth has also been recognized for its recordings. The group's self-titled debut album, released in 2012, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. The album features works by a variety of composers, including Shaw, Hearne, and Caleb Burhans. Roomful of Teeth's second album, "Render," was released in 2015 and features works by a number of contemporary composers, including William Brittelle, Missy Mazzoli, and Michael Harrison. The album was also nominated for a Grammy Award, and won in the category of Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. Since its founding, Roomful of Teeth has continued to push the boundaries of vocal music, exploring new techniques and styles and collaborating with a wide range of artists and composers. The group has performed at venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Barbican Centre in London. In addition to its performances and recordings, Roomful of Teeth is also committed to education and outreach. The group has conducted workshops and masterclasses at schools and universities around the world, and has worked with young composers to develop new works for the ensemble. Today, Roomful of Teeth continues to be a leading voice in the world of contemporary vocal music. The group's innovative approach to music-making and commitment to collaboration and experimentation have earned it a dedicated following and numerous accolades.

More....