Create a 4-beat phrase. Everyone sing it until it’s familiar.
Group sings 4-beat phrase twice. Then one person creates a musical phrase by sing their name over 4 beats. Everyone repeats their phrase. The same person sings their name again, with new music, but still over 4 beats. Everyone repeats this new phrase. Group sings the original 4-beat phrase twice. Continue around the circle with each person creating two different 4-beat phrases for the group to sing.

Variation: Person one creates

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…

Words by Elise Witt, composer unknown
Non Si Sa Mai Music ASCAP

Up To You
Listen up, it’s time to act
Time to move, and that’s a fact
Your head and your heart tell you what to do
Time is now, and it’s up to you!

Shona from Zimbabwe

HALLELUJAH

by Linda Allen

ASHES AND SMOKE

We have been burned, burned by the fire
And we are ashes, ashes and smoke
And we will rise higher and higher
On the wings of compassion,
justice, and hope

by Elise Witt with students from the Global Village Project

© Non Si Sa Mai Music ASCAP

I See You With My Heart

I see you with my eyes, I see you with my heart
Welcome! Welcome!
Ming-a-la-ba *BURMESE (Burma)

Gaw-la-GAY * KAREN (Burma)
Sti-reh-mah-sheh *PASHTO (Afghanistan)
A-ma-ho-ro *KIRUNDI (Burundi)
Hak-kahm *OROMO (Ethiopia)
Na-sa-ding-aa *MATU CHIN (Burma)
Namaste *HINDI (India)