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…
We Are Going
There Are Those
Nola’s Birthday Round
by Elise Witt
© Non Si Sa Mai Music ASCAP
Nola’s Birthday Round
Happy birthday
Happy, happy birthday
Today is your day to have a lot of fun
May you celebrate
For as many days
As many many days as you’ve circled the sun
This is the beginning
This is the beginning
Beginning your best year ever run
[gview file=”https://elisewitt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Nolas-Birthday-Round.pdf” save=”0″]
God Danced the Day You Were Born
by Andrew Lawrence
(a swing jazz round in 3 parts)
GOD DANCED THE DAY YOU WERE BORN
God danced the day you were born
The angels did the bump to Gabriel’s horn
God danced the day you were born
So grateful for the gift of you
I saw God do the Funky Chicken
Steppin’ and kickin’ in blue suede shoes
I saw God do the Boogaloo too
Faced with the gift of you
I have heard some folks say that long ago
God could not dance to save her soul
But people, I”ve seen her shake that jelly roll
Just thinking ’bout the gift of you.