New York
Circle Singing: A Spontaneous Vocal Experience

Sun. May 20

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery

131 E 10th St, New York, New York 10003

Unleash the power of the human voice at this open musical event that combines singing, improvisation and connection through the practice of circle singing. Participants will gather in a circle to gently warm up body and breath. Through a series of musical games, we will begin to join our voices together in mutual support and harmony.

Drawing on traditions of spontaneous composition developed by Bobby McFerrin & Rhiannon, and methods for body rhythm and shared leadership from Música do Círculo in Brazil, we will explore music that can only be found in the air between us. As our connection grows stronger, we will strive to call down the spirit of music itself to guide us, in an inclusive echo of Pentecost & Shavuot.

This event welcomes all ages, all levels of skill and experience. Our circle is open to everyone who has ever felt the urge to sing.

About The Hosts:

Sounding NYC brings the joy of spontaneous singing to public spaces in New York City. Under the resonant archways of the city’s parks, we offer a continuous musical experience that includes vocal improvisation as well as movement & rhythm. Open to all, from professionals to passersby, Sounding invites New Yorkers to rediscover the city’s spirit of play.

Co-founder Jascha Hoffman is a singer-songwriter whose work has been featured on NPR. He will soon release his fourth album, The Weather. Co-founder Onome is a vocalist and interdisciplinary sound artist who recently received her MFA in Performance Studies from Pratt Institute, and is working on her debut sound meditation album, Voke. Both are members of Moving Star, a vocal improvisation ensemble at Carnegie Hall.

Laura Newman is a singer, composer and producer with a soulful voice and improvisational flare. She opened for Neil Young 6 times with The Church of Stop Shopping Choir. Her musical renditions of the 1st Amendment and the Declaration of Occupy Wall Street have become theme songs for protest movements and anthems for peace. Laura is the founder of high spirited rock band, Abracadabra Field Trip, and is also film director.

https://www.facebook.com/SoundingNYC/
http://onome.org/
http://www.jaschamusic.com/
http://irreverentfilms.com/