Circlesongs

August 14, 2015 – August 21, 2015

Location:

Rhinebeck, NY

Course:

SM15-3907-294

Teacher:

Bobby McFerrin, David Worm, Judi Donaghy Vinar, Rhiannon...

See More

“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 musical adventurer Bobby McFerrin and his team of inspiring teachers for a weeklong workshop in the improvisational singing technique called Circlesongs. Accessible to beginners, yet challenging for even the most advanced, the program invites singers and instrumentalists to embrace the freedom to play, sing, invent, and imagine—in music and in life.

Bobby developed Circlesongs as a solo performer, when he needed other voices to help realize his musical ideas. He gave the audience parts to sing, layering harmonies and rhythms, using call and response, conducting entrances, and spontaneously composing choral pieces.

All over the world, he found that Circlesongs created beautiful music and cultivated a deep sense of community and joy. He refined the Circlesongs technique further during years of touring with his group Voicestra. Circlesongs embrace all musical influences: tribal music, Bach, R&B, plainchant, Indian ragas, Balkan folksongs, doo wop, and more. Every song, every voice has a place in the circle.

This experiential workshop cultivates and develops the traditional skills required for ensemble singing—blend, balance, tuning, and sensitivity. Circlesongs also build the fundamentals of musicianship, including harmony, counterpoint, rhythmic precision, and deep listening. Invaluable for all singers and musicians, the practice is especially meaningful for music and voice teachers and group facilitators.

Bobby will be joined by cofaculty David Worm, Judi Donaghy Vinar, Rhiannon, Christiane Karam, Karen Goldfeder, and Joey Blake. Their skills range widely and each brings unique experiences, techniques, exercises, and perspectives. Each module features a combination of large group classes and smaller group seminars with individual faculty.

read more: http://www.eomega.org/workshops/circlesongs-1?source=EPromoPur.JMAG.ws.OM#-workshop-video-block