What is Circle Singing?
Circle Singing is a collaborative, improvisational form of singing where participants form a circle and create music together through call-and-response and individual improvisations.
It's often facilitated by a leader who guides the group by developing and assigning musical parts. The goal is to create music spontaneously, embracing playful exploration and vocal expression.
Key Aspects of Circle Singing
Improvisation
Participants improvise musical parts, often based on call-and-response, where one person sings a musical phrase and others respond with their own variations.Collaboration
The group works together to build a musical texture, with individual voices contributing to the overall sound.Call-and-Echo & Call-and-Response
The technique relies on a leader prompting the group with a musical phrase, and the group responds with their own versions or embellishments.Facilitation
A facilitator guides the group, assigning parts, developing musical ideas, and encouraging exploration.Community
Circle singing can be a powerful tool for community building, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Origin and Influencers
Of course, singing is one of the innate skills almost everyone is born with (whether they want to accept that or not) and we know that people have been singing together in circles for thousands of years.
Vocal Play Lab’s origins trace back to jazz musician, Bobby McFerrin who developed vocal techniques and group experiences through years of vocal improvisation and exploration. McFerrin's work emphasizes the joy and freedom of singing together, without the pressure of perfection.
Benefits and Applications
Joy and Empowerment
Participants often report feeling a sense of joy, empowerment, and connection through circle singing.Mental Health
Some find that circle singing can be a beneficial experience for mental health, promoting well-being and stress reduction.
Community Building
Circle singing can be a powerful tool for building community, fostering trust and shared experiences.Vocal Exploration
It encourages participants to explore their vocal abilities.