2019 Songs and Stories: ICTM Colloquium

2019 ICTM Colloquium on Songs & Stories of Migration & Encounter

A colloquium for the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) hosted by The Centre for Sound Communities, Cape Breton University, October 6-12, 2019.

Following the theme ‘Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter,’ 18 international scholars share their research on this theme and create dialogue among specialists from all over the world. This colloquium brings together artists, scholars, and community leaders from throughout Canada and the United States as well as the United Kingdom, Japan, Armenia, Austria, and Slovenia.

Scholars meet at the Centre for Sound Communities at Cape Breton University, Membertou First Nation at the Heritage Park, McConnell Public Library in Sydney’s Waterfront District, Menelik Hall in Whitney Pier, the Gaelic College in St. Anne’s, and in various community centres in Chéticamp.

The following events are open to the general public:

  • Sunday October 6, 7:00pm – Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church

Concert (freewill donation accepted): Julian Kytasty – Immigrants, Exiles, and Cultural Missionaries: Bandura Music Outside Ukraine

  • Monday October 7, 4:00pm – Centre for Sound Communities (Cape Breton University)

Public Lecture: Kaley Mason – Food, Music and Environmental Justice in South India

  • Tuesday October 8, 2:00pm, Centre for Sound Communities (Cape Breton University)

Film Screening: Julia Byl – Poets in the Living Room

  • Tuesday October 8, 4:00pm, McConnell Public Library

Film Screening: Terada Yoshitaka – Crossing over the Arirang Pass: Zainichi Korean Music

  • Tuesday October 8, 7:00pm, McConnell Public Library

Film Screening: Terada Yoshitaka – Drumming out a Message: Eisa and the Okinawan Diaspora in Japan

  • Wednesday October 9, 4:00pm, Membertou Heritage Park

Workshop/Lecture: Alex Chávez – Sonic Bridges: Home, Intimacy, and the Borderlands

  • Wednesday October 9, 7:30pm, Menelik Hall

Public Lecture: Afua Cooper – Fugitive Verses/Sonic Stories: Slavery, the Middle Passage, and the Soundscapes of Black People’s Freedom Quest

  • Thursday October 10, 11:45am, Centre for Sound Communities (Cape Breton University)

Dance Workshop: Ameera Nimjee – Kathak Dance in Hindustani Music Culture

  • Thursday October 10, 7:00pm, McConnell Public Library

Public Lecture: Gage Averill – Echoes of “Haïti Cherie” in the “Koloni”

  • Friday October 11, 7:30pm, Église Saint Pierre, Chéticamp

Concert (freewill donations accepted): Songs and Stories of Cape Breton, with various performers including Colin Grant, Chester Delaney, Robert Deveaux, Julian Kytasty, Marcia Ostashewski, and Le Choeur du Havre

Quick Facts:

  • 18 scholars from 6 countries are meeting in Cape Breton to share research about music and migration in communities around the world including virtual spaces
  • As part of the Colloquium, several community events will take place across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, including concerts, workshops, film screenings and public talks
  • The International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) is a scholarly, non-governmental organization in formal consultative relations with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. ICTM aims to further the study, practice, documentation, preservation, and dissemination of traditional music and dance of all countries
  • Scholars, artists and community leaders are coming from: Cape Breton University, University of British Colombia, Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Alberta, Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia Rug Hookers (Cheticamp), University of Notre Dame (USA), Indiana University (USA), St. Olaf College (USA), Lewis and Clark College (USA), University of Puget Sound (USA), Royal Holloway University of London (UK), National Museum of Ethnology: Centre for Cultural Resource Studies (Japan), American University of Armenia (Armenia), University for Music and the Performing Arts Vienna (Austria), and University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Additional Resources:

International Council for Traditional Music: https://www.ictmusic.org/26th-ictm-colloquium-2019-cape-breton

Cape Breton University: https://www.cbu.ca

Songs and Stories: ICTM Colloquium

Songs and Stories: ICTM Colloquium

A colloquium for the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) will be hosted by Centre for Sound Communities, Cape Breton University, October 6-12, 2019.

This colloquium follows the theme “Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter.” 18 international scholars are invited to share their research on this theme and to create dialogue among specialists from all over the world. This colloquium will bring together artists, scholars, and community leaders from throughout Canada and the United States as well as the United Kingdom, Japan, Armenia, Austria, and Slovenia.

Scholars will meet at the Centre for Sound Communities at Cape Breton University, Membertou First Nation at the Heritage Park, McConnell Public Library in Sydney’s Waterfront District, Menelik Hall in Whitney Pier, the Gaelic College in St. Anne’s, and in various community centres in Chéticamp.

Quick Facts:

  • 18 scholars from 6 countries are meeting in Cape Breton to share research about music and migration in communities around the world including virtual spaces
  • As part of the Colloquium, several community events will take place across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, including concerts, workshops, film screenings and public talks
  • The International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) is a scholarly, non-governmental organization in formal consultative relations with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. ICTM aims to further the study, practice, documentation, preservation, and dissemination of traditional music and dance of all countries
  • Scholars, artists and community leaders are coming from: Cape Breton University, University of British Colombia, Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Alberta, Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia Rug Hookers (Cheticamp), University of Notre Dame (USA), Indiana University (USA), St. Olaf College (USA), Lewis and Clark College (USA), University of Puget Sound (USA), Royal Holloway University of London (UK), National Museum of Ethnology: Centre for Cultural Resource Studies (Japan), American University of Armenia (Armenia), University for Music and the Performing Arts Vienna (Austria), and University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Additional Resources:

International Council for Traditional Music: https://www.ictmusic.org/26th-ictm-colloquium-2019-cape-breton

Cape Breton University: https://www.cbu.ca

The Kun’tewiktuk Project

In the 2019 Indigenous theatre research-creation project, Kun’tewiktuk, facilitated in partnership with The Centre for Sound Communities, Membertou First Nation collaborative researchers investigated personal experiences, histories and legacies of migration and encounter in Cape Breton through a theatrical production and film presentation. Subsequent publications in 2020 further explored the significance of the 1916 forced relocation of the Mi’kmaq and its historic and personal consequences on the Membertou First Nation community.

“[What Kun’tewiktuk] meant to the community is that … we were able to open a door into history and to show the people … how it was back in the early 1900s … It was a very significant and traumatic time,” — Graham Marshall, Councillor, Membertou First Nation, Traditional Knowledge-holder, Kun’tewiktuk Project

“We’re carrying this pride in ourselves that we learned this together, and that we worked on this project together and that we successfully brought it to fruition. [We] had a very emotional and a very powerful story to tell, and when that story was told, the elders embraced the youth and they said, ‘That was incredible; that was very good and that was very strong.’ That’s the spirit of our people, that’s the spirit of Membertou, that’s the spirit of Kun’tewiktuk.” — Clifford Paul, Traditional Knowledge-holder, Membertou First Nation Researcher & Consultant, Kun’tewiktuk Project

In this film, Membertou First Nation collaborative researchers speak about their participation in the Kun’tewiktuk Project:

REFER TO:

Ostashewski, Marcia, and Shaylene Johnson. 2020. “Relocation, Research and Reconciliation in Unama’ki.” In My Body Was Left on the Street: Music Education and Displacement, edited by Kính T. Vu and André de Quadros, 267–280. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

Ostashewski, Marcia, and Clifford Paul, Graham Marshall, Shaylene Johnson. 2020. “Fostering Reconciliation Collaborative Research in Unama’ki: Engaging Communities through Indigenous Methodologies and Research-Creation”. Yearbook for Traditional Music 52: 23-40.

Digital Humanities Workshop

Digital Humanities Workshop

May 1 -2

Experts from ACENET and the CBU Library are leading this free, two day event. Nutrition breaks and lunches are provided. The following topics will be offered:

Is Advanced Computing for Me?

Research Data Management

and Cloud Powering Digital Humanities Research

Please email sound_communities@cbu.ca for more information.

To register, see information below and click on the poster to activate pdf with hyperlinks:

Digital Humanities Workshop

Digital Humanities Workshop

May 1 -2

Experts from ACENET and the CBU Library are leading this free, two day event. Nutrition breaks and lunches are provided. The following topics will be offered:

Is Advanced Computing for Me?

Research Data Management

Cloud Powering Digital Humanities Research

Please email sound_communities@cbu.ca for more information.

To register, see information below and click on the poster to activate pdf with hyperlinks:

 

All My Relations – Community Arts Research Showcase

Sunday, October, 22, 2017, 2PM – Boardmore Theatre, Cape Breton University

Join us for an afternoon of music and entertainment, featuring performances by The Cape Breton Choral, youth participants of our Songs and Stories of Migration workshops, Singing the Circle: Choral Workshop participants and a special Indigenous Welcome by Clifford Paul. The afternoon will also include several interactive multimedia activities and light refreshments.

Singing the Circle Choral Workshop

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017

Time: TBC

Location: Centre for Sound Communities

 

Join us on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Centre for Sound Communities for Singing the Circle: Choral Workshop, a Multi-generational choral workshop lead by Ardelle Ries, University of Alberta and Cathy Benedict, Western University.

The workshop will be followed by a performance for World Singing Day Concert the Boardmore Theatre, CBU on Sunday, October 22, 2017. Along with performances by youth who participated in “Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter” a five-week in-community workshop for youth ages 12-18.

Registration and more information to come, check back soon!

Singing the Circle: Choral Workshop

Singing the Circle | Choral Workshop | World Singing Day Weekend

Singing the Circle workshops are designed to explore and celebrate the basic human act of singing and the artistic use of the human voice within the circle of life, from the time of birth through to the end of life. The 2017 World Singing Day Weekend is an opportune time for singers of all ages to gather together and explore the miracle of the singing voice alongside the esteemed Cape Breton Chorale, accompanied by the finest instrumentalists from the island and beyond. World Singing Day Weekend is a perfect occasion to join our voices together in harmony to reconcile and pay homage to Canadian confederation at 150. Come, Sing the Circle with us as we take the time to reflect, refresh, renew, and rejoice with our voice!

Click here to register NOW! 

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017

Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: Centre for Sound Communities

Cost: Free.

Due to the generous support of our funders, we are pleased to offer this Choral Workshop free of charge.

 

9:00a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Singing the Circle: The Warm Up​, The Workout, & The Why?

Interspersed with reflections on the uniquely human act of singing, start the day with unique and innovative vocal warm ups and exercises designed to promote freedom, vocal agility, and ease.

10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Singing the Circle: Together in the Round

One of the most joyful experiences and achievements in the life of a choral singer is the ability to sing independent parts to create harmony! Workshop participants will delight in the singing of some of the most beautiful and treasured canons and rounds from centuries past through to the present day.
10:45 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

Nutrition Break

11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Singing the Circle: Reflections of Canada | From Coast to Coast to Coast Session I

To mark Canadian confederation at 150, a wide variety of Canadian folk songs arranged by fine Canadian composers for a cappella voices will be explored.
12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m.

Singing the Circle: Reflections of Canada | From Coast to Coast to Coast Session II
To mark Canadian confederation at 150, a wide variety of Canadian folk songs arranged by fine Canadian composers for a cappella voices will be explored.

2:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m.

Singing the Circle: A Celebration of the Body, Mind, Spirit, and Voice!

​Traditional ​singing games and dances and a reflection on our singing and the day’s events will bring us full circle.

The workshop will be followed by a performance for World Singing Day Concert the Boardmore Theatre, CBU on Sunday, October 22, 2017. Along with performances by youth who participated in “Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter” a five-week in-community workshop for youth ages 12-18.

 

Registration is now open! Click here to register NOW!

 

Singing the Circle: Educator PD Event

 

SINGING THE CIRCLE: MUSIC EDUCATION FROM BIRTH TO ADULT
(AN EDUCATOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENT)
 
Thanks to the generosity of our funding partners, we are pleased to off this PD day free of charge.
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, October 20th, 2017
Cape Breton University
 
The symbol of a circle is deeply symbolic on many levels and sacred to healing practices of our Indigenous peoples. Singing the Circle workshops are designed to explore and celebrate the basic human act of singing and the artistic use of the human voice through the circle of life–from the time of birth through to death. Through inhalation and exhalation, tension and release, the physical act of singing combined alongside a positive relationship with our voices provides health and a sense of well-being. Music “circles” exist in the form of canons, singing games and dances, or in conducting gesture. The circle is a common metaphor for the reflective process of coming to understand our task as music educators. Singing the Circle workshops present an opportunity to reflect, refresh, renew, and rejoice. (Ardelle Ries, Singing the Circle, May 2017)
 
As part of Singing the CircleThe Centre for Sound Communities, in partnership with the Boardmore Playhouse at Cape Breton University, invites you to participate in:
 
“Singing the Circle: Music Education from Birth to Adult.” Details of the day’s schedule and descriptions of presentations can be found below. Please note, additional activities  in conjunction with World Singing Day (October 21st), are being planned and will soon be announced!
 
SINGING THE CIRCLE: MUSIC EDUCATION FROM BIRTH TO ADULT
(AN EDUCATOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENT)
 
8:30 a.m. to 3 pm, Friday, October 20th, 2017
Cape Breton University
 
The symbol of a circle is deeply symbolic on many levels and sacred to healing practices of our Indigenous peoples. Singing the Circle workshops are designed to explore and celebrate the basic human act of singing and the artistic use of the human voice through the circle of life–from the time of birth through to death. Through inhalation and exhalation, tension and release, the physical act of singing combined alongside a positive relationship with our voices provides health and a sense of well-being. Music “circles” exist in the form of canons, singing games and dances, or in conducting gesture. The circle is a common metaphor for the reflective process of coming to understand our task as music educators. Singing the Circle workshops present an opportunity to reflect, refresh, renew, and rejoice. (Ardelle Ries, Singing the Circle, May 2017)
 
As part of Singing the CircleThe Centre for Sound Communities, in partnership with the Boardmore Playhouse at Cape Breton University, invites you to participate in:
 
“Singing the Circle: Music Education from Birth to Adult.” Details of the day’s schedule and descriptions of presentations can be found below. Please note, additional activities  in conjunction with World Singing Day (October 21st), are being planned and will soon be announced!

 

Registration is now open:

 www.singingthecirclepdday.eventbrite.com

Thanks to the generosity of our funding partners, we are pleased to offer this PD day free of charge.

 
Registration includes morning nutrition break, lunch, and afternoon coffee and cookies.
 
SCHEDULE
 
Registration fee includes morning nutrition break, lunch, and afternoon coffee and cookies.
 
SCHEDULE

Singing the Circle: Music Education from Birth to Adult

(Boardmore Playhouse, Cape Breton University)

Registration: 8:30-9:15 am

Welcome and Introductions: 9:15-9:30 am

Session I: 9:30-10:30: It All Starts With Singing (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)

Nutrition Break: 10:30-10:45am

Session II: 10:45-11:45 am : Doing Away With Classroom Management: Teaching for Musical Transitions

LUNCH (NOON to 1pm)

Session 3: 1-2 pm: The Wonder of the Child Voice

Final Plenary Discussion: 2-3 pm

SESSION ABSTRACTS

Session I: It All Starts With Singing (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)

In late 16th century, British composer, William Byrd (1543-1623) published one of the first English songbooks. Within this book, Byrd wrote of the wonder of singing and reasons why “all ‘men’ would learn to sing.” Designed to address the needs of both classroom music and choral—through songs, games, and dances—this session will focus on the importance of singing for musical, intellectual, and personal development and how Byrd’s ideas, although centuries’ old, remain true today.

Session II: Doing Away With Classroom Management: Teaching for Musical Transitions (Cathy Benedict, U Western Ontario)

Classroom management problems arise when teachers fail to understand that focused musical transitions are essential for successful lessons.  What if, rather than managing children, we design lesson plans that flow so tightly music making is all we worry about?  Participants will experience a series of elementary lesson plans that demonstrate musical activities and transitions that serve to facilitate safe, creative musical environments.  Join us as we say ‘No’ to managing and ‘Yes’ to making music. 

Session III: The Wonder of the Child Voice (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)

Our voices, and especially our singing voices, are miraculous forces of nature designed to help us survive, to communicate, and to create! Children’s voices—flexible, adaptable, and resilient—move through many developmental stages. As we prepare to celebrate World Singing Day, this session will examine the singing journey from early years through to adolescence with suggestions for a sequential vocal curriculum and suitable repertoire.

 

Songwriting Workshops for Youth

Project Information

Songwriting Workshops: For Youth ages 12 to 18, there are three in-community workshops where youth will be working with singers and artist facilitators to co-create a music piece about immigration and encounter. There will also be mentors (Stewart MacNeil, Bryan Cherwick, and Robert Deveaux) at each of the locations giving information and telling stories of their experience or families experience with immigration to Canada and Cape Breton. For more information please call (902)563-1696. The deadline for registration is June 15th.