Why sing?
Jane Harris & Songways Choir – Siyabonga Jesu (Zulu) Wells Cathedral Chapter House – October 2010 from David Lewis-Baker on Vimeo.
Songways sessions are fun, encouraging, collaborative, joyful and uplifting. We learn songs by ear and sing in a circle, both of which encourage people to be fully engaged, listening and singing to each other, away from printed music. This creates an exciting, satisfying and liberating way of learning. Click here to find out more about the benefits for your health and well-being.
We enjoy experimenting with singing in different ways, adding parts, creating new harmonies and riffs, trying out new arrangements or adding movement and rhythm games. We also encourage people to stop and listen in the centre of the circle, surrounded by sound, which can be a moving experience.
Sing a rich variety of songs from many cultures
Relish the rhythms of Africa, the stillness of Taize prayers and the energy of work songs and shanties. Explore lyrical and evocative folk melodies, jazz riffs and the contemplative beauty of Native American chants. Enjoy Maori hymns, uplifting Gospel tunes and songs to celebrate festivals and the changing seasons. Some songs will be well known, many will be new discoveries.
Enjoy the friendship and the sense of community
Songways choirs are singing groups in which everyone feels relaxed and welcome. Whatever your musical experience, come and try Songways … it will make you feel good. Contact us
“But I can’t sing…”
Many people have said this to me before their first singing session. Very quickly they sense the supportive atmosphere and the feeling of fun and they relax. By the break they are saying “I can’t believe it … I am enjoying it so much … I never thought I would be able to do this.”
Maybe you are someone who was told at a young age “You can’t sing” and it has stuck with you all your life. Maybe you had musical siblings or parents and you were the “non-musical one”. Maybe you feel tense and shy about singing with other people. But somehow you have a desire to sing and you know that it would make you feel good. If this is you, come and give Songways a try. You will be very welcome
These comments are from people who told me categorically that they could not sing…
“I have enjoyed the sessions so much under your gentle and gifted guidance. It has been a revelation.”
“It has opened up a whole new world of music making for me.” “I love every minute.”
Something for everyone
If you are a closet crooner, someone who loves singing in the bath, come and enjoy the thrill of singing with others and creating glorious harmonies and fascinating rhythms.
If you are an experienced singer looking for something new, Songways provides an absorbing way of learning a rich variety of songs.
If you are used to singing from printed music in a conventional choir, come and enjoy the excitement, satisfaction and freedom of learning by ear and the strong sense of shared, collaborative and creative music making.
If you are a complete beginner, even terrified of singing, Songways provides a safe space to help you to find your voice and to open up a whole new world of music making that may have been closed to you for years.
“I really look forward to the sessions”
“The highlight of my week”
