river city sing: a community song circle at Living Water!
Each month, we gather to connect to our voices, our breath, and with one another. This isn't a choir or chorus but a circle of folks singing together. No musical experience is necessary.
Singing is our birthright - in fact, some anthropologists believe that humans sang to communicate before we had spoken language. Yet, singing is often categorized into something only “the talented” are supposed to do. Let’s unlearn that together and reclaim song as a tool for community-building, self care, reflection, and fun!
Above all,
community
singing is for all.
Your voice is welcomed,
needed, and cherished.
Host Kelley Doyle will share songs by beginning with their lyrics, then teaching the songs with drum or a cappella (without instruments) through call-and-echo, gradually building as we go. We repeat them several times to let the words & sound sink in. They focus on themes like love, kinship with the Earth, and self-compassion — little pocket songs we carry to encourage & comfort ourselves and each other.
Have questions? You can email Kelley at kelleyhelencreates@gmail.com. She’s on Instagram at @shape_and_sound
Upcoming Circles:
Songs for the Threshold — Wednesday, October 29th from 6:30-8 PM (upstairs yoga loft)
Learn more and register on Eventbrite!
Stay tuned for more info on the following:
Heart(h)songs — Wednesday, November 12th from 6:30-8 pm (specific location TBD)
Solstice Songs — Wednesday, December 10th from 6:30 - 8 pm (specific location TBD)
FAQ:
What is community singing?
Awesome question. It is a movement based in the idea that song is an important part of Life. Likely, music was a central part of the everyday experience of humans throughout time - around the fire, in the home, exploring the woods. Nowadays, we don’t have as many opportunities to sing together, except in religious gatherings and at concerts (where we are primarily the observer, not the participant). Teacher Laurence Cole calls group singing a primary “technology of belonging.” Furthermore, the voice is an important channel from the head to the heart, and song can help us reconnect to ourselves and to one another.
Do I need to know how to read music?
Nope! All songs are taught on the spot, repeated several times. There’s no test or tryout - truly come as you are. You’re not obligated to sing! Stillness, dance, meditation are all welcome. Mistakes also more than welcome. As songleaders MaMuse sing, “you can’t do it wrong!”
What do I bring?
Please bring water, a mug if you’d like tea, and wear comfy clothes. We have chairs & bolsters set up, but if you have a preferred sit setup, please bring it.
How do I RSVP?
Please click on the Eventbrite for the upcoming circle. It helps Kelley plan for the room setup. But if you forgot, please come anyway!
What does it cost?
By donation :) Trades of candles, fruit, homemade bread are all welcome. Free spots absolutely available.