The first Songways Singing Weekend took place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 November 2012 at the beautiful Earthspirit Centre, Dundon, near Glastonbury led by Jane Harris, Director of Songways, and Rachel Acworth, specialist Voice Development Tutor.
Thirty singers including regular Songways singers, members of other local choirs and a number of people very new to singing, had a wonderful weekend full of glorious harmonies and the fun and friendship of singing together. Rachel helped us to ‘Uncover our Voices”, releasing tension, developing richness, range, breathing and confidence and Jane led the group in creating uplifting harmonies and vibrant rhythms, with songs to make us smile and songs of beauty and stillness.
THE CENTRE
We had sole use of the Earthspirit Centre set in the village of Dundon in rural Somerset five miles from Glastonbury. The 17th century farm buildings have been restored and converted to provide a warm and comfortable retreat centre within seven acres of fields and gardens. The main hall was a wonderful space in which to sing with its high oak-beamed ceiling. We also sang in the nearby 13th Century St Andrew’s Church and under the great yew tree, reputed to be 1700 years old. The food was vegetarian and excellent.