Chris MacLean and The Song Kitchen Choir

Circle Singing is a spontaneous, improvised 'voice-jam' or 'drum circle' for voices, with roots reaching back to the earliest tribal singing traditions.

As part of the Centre Wakefield Lapeche 10th anniversay celebration, please join me on Saturday May 7, from 11:30am - 12:30pm, for an hour of participatory singing. We'll sing some easy to learn songs in harmony, then some Circle Singing. All singers, especially those who can carry a tune, are welcome.

There are many ways to facilitate Circle Singing, the most common, is to gather in a circle grouped according to vocal pitch range (low singers, mid-range and high singers). The leader stands in the centre and spontaneously creates parts (made of simple melodic and/or rhythmic patterns) which are assigned one-by-one, to each group of singers. An 'orchestra' of voices builds and a song, unique to that moment in time, unfolds. Once the circle is built, individuals are  invited into the centre to solo, if they choose. The parts, often wordless, emulate those in an orchestra or band - including bass, percussion, lead, interlocking rhythms and sounds, melody and counter melody.  

Ideally, a Circle Sing, especially for non-professional singers, has no less than 20 people. The more the merrier, as the grouped voices support each other. 

Circle Singing is for singers of all levels of ability, although some strong, confident singers are necessary. It's a TON of fun and an excellent way to build community, even amongst people who speak different languages. There is definitely a spiritual aspect to Circle Singing, although it is not overt but more implied by the way in which it connects people. In my experience, it's empowering and freeing. The room is pulsing with love at the end of an hour of Circle Singing.