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.

 

Singing The Circle: Music Education from Birth to Adult

 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.singingthecircle.eventbrite.comUpdate: Early bird registration: 15 September 2017, $65 + applicable fees

Last day to register in advance: 5 October 2017, $80 + applicable fees

Registration fee 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.

Sound Studies Initiative Upcoming Events: March 2017

Here is a message from one of our friends at the University of Alberta, Dr. Mary Ingraham, the Director of the Sound Studies Initiative about upcoming events at the end of this month at their university:

 

The Sound Studies Initiative at the University of Alberta is pleased to invite you to two events next week. Read on for details!

1. Distinguished Visitor: Dr. Svanibor Pettan

When: Tuesday, March 28th, 2017 from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Sound Studies Initiative, 3-47 Old Arts Building, UAlberta North Campus
Cost: Free/All Welcome

This Tuesday, we welcome renowned ethnomusicologist Dr. Svanibor Pettan for a lecture on Romani musicians. Dr. Pettan’s visit is part of the Global Musics – Local Connections applied ethnomusicology project. This lecture is co-presented by the Wirth Institute, the Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology (CCE), and the Sound Studies Initiative at the University of Alberta.

This talk is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

2. @ Noon Documentary Screening: “A Tribute to the Music of the Southern Appalachian Mountains”

When: Wednesday, March 29th, 2017 from 12 – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Sound Studies Initiative, 3-47 Old Arts Building, UAlberta North Campus
Cost: Free/All Welcome

Join us Wednesday @ Noon for a three-part tribute to the rich musical and cultural traditions of rural Appalachia. We will be screening two short films, along with a live cameo performance by Edmonton’s premiere (and possibly only) old-time stringband, The Strawflowers.

The feature presentation is a documentary by John Cohen – “Roscoe Holcomb from Daisy, Kentucky” (2010). During a sojourn to eastern Kentucky in 1959 in search of local musicians, Cohen met Roscoe Holcomb (1911-81). Impressed by his powerful and unique singing and playing style, Cohen was instrumental in introducing Holcomb to a broader audience in North America and beyond. Cohen’s evocative film reveals a man whose music was shaped by the harsh demands of life in a region experiencing difficult times. In an effort to place Holcomb’s playing and singing within that cultural context, Cohen provides us with an unvarnished glimpse of life in coal country during the early 1960s, together with sampling of music and dance forms from the region.

We will also be screening a short film by Craig Evans on the celebrated annual Appalachian Stringband Festival, AKA ‘Clifftop’.

Roscoe Holcomb was a Folkways recording artist, as is John Cohen, who was a founding member of the New Lost City Ramblers. Craig Evans is an independent filmmaker. His DVD series on banjo builders is now part of the Smithsonian Folkways catalogue.

All are welcome, and light refreshments will be served. Popcorn will be provided courtesy of the Faculty of Law.

Have a wonderful week,

MARY INGRAHAM, PhD
​DIRECTOR, Sound Studies Initiative                           ​
PROFESSOR OF MUSIC
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC​

Sound Studies Initiative
3-47 Arts Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton AB T6G 2E6

 

They’ve changed their name!  Building on previous endeavours under the banner of folkwaysAlive!, they are blending their firm commitment to the stewardship of the Moses and Frances Asch Collection of Folkways Records with new initiatives based broadly in sound studies.

Effective 1 January 2017, their email address is: soundstudies@ualberta.ca and their web address is: http://soundstudies.ualberta.ca/ which will reflect this expanded scope of activity. Stay tuned for more information and developments throughout 2017.