Collective Resonance
Community Singing on October 17
A few nights ago I was watching an interview between Steven Bartlett and relationship expert Esther Perel.
In the interview, they talk about “social atrophy” and how people are finding it harder and harder to connect with one another deeply. Toward the end of the interview, Bartlett asks her what she would do if she were president of the United States.
She said: “Make everyone attend a workshop at Deep River Folk School in Franklinville, NC!” Just kidding. But she did say this:
“Anybody who these days can make people laugh or sing together is doing holy work.”
— Esther Perel
She explains that when we sing together, we create a “collective resonance.” It’s a practice that is empathic, kind, compassionate, and playful. It forces us to synchronize our breath, our voices, and our attention with strangers and neighbors alike, and so it breaks down the walls of self-consciousness and separateness.
Perel argues that this resonance is vital for wellbeing.
So, now you can see that she was, in fact, saying that as president she’d send everyone to Deep River Folk School :) Because on October 17 we’re hosting Community Singing. Here are the details:
Community Singing & Song-Leading
Making music and making music together is an essential part of being human. The voice is the first musical instrument. Singing together is a form of deep communication and connection, a way of joining harmonically and soulfully with others, a way to unify by all singing the same words with the same melody and rhythm pattern, a way of remembering story and history, a method to encourage and strengthen us during difficult times, a creative way to express emotion and feeling, a form of entertainment and fun, and a way to remember and pass on important life lessons.
Pulling from folk, gospel, African, bluegrass, and other musical traditions we will explore the universality of music and how it helps people come together and create a stronger Community. We will explore the most common types of songs for group singing. We will also look at the song patterns that are the easiest to sing along with or lead including call and response, songs that have a lead part and an echo or refrain part, songs with motions, songs that have easily repeatable phrasing, songs that tell a story, songs with humorous or silly components, songs that tell a spiritual or universal truth, and songs with a memorable or catchy melody or rhythm. Additionally, we will look at ways a song leader can use hand and body movements to help guide the group singing experience. We also will explore singing a capella (just voice) vs. singing with various instrumental or percussion accompaniments. And we will look at the issue of movement as it connects with singing and how this issue varies based on culture, religion, or background.
Early bird rate ($40) until October 1. Youth attend free alongside an adult. Home-cooked lunch is included.
October 17, 9am-noon
with Beverly Goldston, Harvey Harman, and Linwood Watson
