Chanting Workshop for Singers (read the lyrics)
The musical selections in this workshop are simple in lyric and short in length. They range, however, from a single selection sung in unison to another in 5-part harmony. Singers will find the groove with ease and spend little time learning and lots of time just experiencing the energy of the group. Too often, the busy church choir learns a piece of music for the sake of a Sunday "performance" but does not have the time to cherish the feeling that accompanies the experience of uniting their voices in a piece they know well.
The purpose of this 2-4 hour workshop is to gift each member of the group with the satisfaction of singing with ease, the physical feeling of health and well-being that singing and the breathing that accompanies it fosters, and the joy of raising their voice together in song. Rhythm instruments provided by participants are encouraged and will expand the energy, both physical and spiritual, felt by all.
The workshop is in three parts:
- sing through all pieces to gain familiarity
- beginning with prayer-filled intention, move through all selections in a non-stop flow of chanting, connecting background music, silence
- returning to the present moment, discuss personal reaction to the experience
The chants begin as invitation and preparation for sacred stillness:
- Called To Freedom
- As God
- Power Is In Now
- Power In My Thought
- Open To Spirit
to stillness:
- Rest In The Now
- Sacred Sabbath Time
- God And I Are One
- I Delight In This Sacred Sabbath Rest
to reentry into the joy and spiritual connection with all life:
- You're Part Of Me
- Power In My Word
- Kingdom, Power, Glory
- In Me Now
Whether you are part of a group that likes to sing together for fun or an experienced choir ready for some nourishment, this workshop is for you.
By Jeanne Loehnis, June 2008