From the work of Bobby McFerrin and his vocal orchestra – Voicestra http://www.bobbymcferrin.com
and Rhiannon http://www.RhiannonMusic.com

Circle Song

One person gives out repeating parts to the groups.

Find parts by first singing what’s inside, then refining to find a motor part. Harmony is good. Look for spaces in the motor part to interlock new parts.

Find parts by first solo-ing over what is already created.
Play with rhythm – try putting 3 over 4 or try something in an odd rhythm like 5/4, 7/8, 9/8
Play with tonality – use some unusual harmonies, try notes that may not be the “first choices”
Play with language – try using some sounds you don’t always use; experiment with different consonants; imagine you’re speaking a language you don’t know but have a sound in your ear eg. french, russian, italian, etc.

The person giving out the parts can then solo over the foundation they have created.

Solo-ist can then step out and let another person solo and/or create new parts…

by Lorraine Lee Hammond

LAMB & LION

May lamb and lion lie down together

Joy and wonder never cease

Halleluia, halleluia

Grant us peace.

by Joanne Hammil © JHO Music www.JoanneHammil.com

MOVE LIKE JAZZ

Each time I start to dance

I know the world will keep on turning forever

It makes me take a chance

Turning my heart beats into rhythm

Step by step I move

Opening up my heart, my mind

All I know moving as one

With all I feel, even the truth I used to know

Stepping into time I turn with the power dance has

Stepping in my mind, I smile as I move like jazz

by Elise Witt

 © Non Si Sa Mai Music ASCAP

THE STRUGGLE

The struggle makes us strong

The struggle makes us free

And if we all struggle together

How strong we all can be.

from Zimbabwe

MATIWI MANA ESE ENYIKA

Matiwi mana ese enyika

Uyai muone imvura

Imvura

Yakanaka

Yakachena

Kuimwa

Rough translation: Calling the four corners of the world to come see the waters of life.