"Improvisation involves coming into a situation without rigid expectations or preconceptions. We must keep going forward, fearful or not, and be ready for anything that comes our way. That’s how life is. Remembering that life can be full of surprises is always useful. We’re improvising all the time—it’s good to recognize that."—Bobby McFerrin
Join perpetual explorer Bobby McFerrin and his team of inspiring singers, teachers, and performance artists for a weeklong adventure in the improvisational singing technique called Circlesongs. Accessible to beginners and challenging for even the most advanced, the program invites singers, instrumentalists, and performers to embrace the freedom to play, sing, and invent their own music.
Bobby developed Circlesongs as a solo artist who craved other voices to help realize his ideas. He gave the audience parts to sing, and found himself spontaneously composing choral music. All over the world, he found that group singing not only made beautiful music but cultivated a deep sense of community and joy. He refined this vocal improvisation technique further during years of touring with his group Voicestra.
To create Circlesongs, Bobby layers melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, combining his conducting and improvising skills. He includes all musical imprints: tribal music, Bach, R&B, plainchant, Indian ragas, Balkan folksongs, doo-wop, and more. Every voice has a place in the circle.
Bobby will be joined by charismatic improvisers, including Joey Blake, Judi Donaghy Vinar, Christiane Karam, David Worm, and Rhiannon. (Rhiannon will be part of modules 2 and 3 only.) Each brings a wide variety of experience, techniques, exercises, and perspective. (Teachers are subject to change.)
This experiential workshop cultivates the traditional skills required for ensemble singing—blend, balance, tuning, and sensitivity. Circlesongs builds the fundamentals of musicianship, including harmony, counterpoint, intonation, and deep listening. Invaluable for all singers and musicians, the practice is especially meaningful for teachers and group facilitators.
Each module allows students to work with individual faculty in small groups. The program will also provide ample opportunity for students to collaborate with and perform for each other.
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