Elise’s Workshop Notes and Materials
Circle Song
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…
Wish Boats
WISH BOATS
Star light, star bright
Tether your wishes on dreams you’ll dream tonight
See the Wind
4-part round ~ composer unknown
SEE THE WIND
See the wind bending the grass like a wave o’er the sea
Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo
How I love the wind, bending the grass like a wave o’er the sea
See the wind, see the wind, oh see the wind, oh wind
BEING AWAKE
Words by Macrina Wiederkehr from her book The Seven Sacred Pauses
Music by Velma Frye from her CD Seven Sacred Pauses: Singing Mindfully Dawn Through Dark
© NeNeLand Music www.VelmaFrye.com
BEING AWAKE
Set the clock of your heart, set the clock of your heart
Breathe in the dawn, breathe in the dawn
Raise high the calice of your life, taste the joy, the joy of being awake
It’s the best medicine of all, being awake
Sing For Peace
by Mary Witt
SING FOR PEACE
I’m gonna sing for peace all over this land (3x)
Shout it out, shout it out, shout it out!
I’m gonna work for justice all over this land (3x)
Shout it out, shout it out, shout it out!
I’m gonna march for freedom all over this land (3x)
Shout it out, shout it out, shout it out!
Add your own verses!
