Let’s Get Together and Sing

Singing in groups…

is one of the most uplifting activities we can do together, celebrating the unique quality of every voice, regardless of background or experience. Community singing and sing-a-long song circles are less structured than choirs and are open to everyone, from the person who doesn’t think they can sing to the person who belts out tunes with full confidence. I used to be one of the former and rediscovered my voice when I started chanting in my yoga practice. This led me to singing in community song circles and choirs and ultimately to leading others in song. Working intentionally with my voice has been so healing, overcoming the old messages of “be small” and “stay quiet.” Singing is a liberatory practice. Whether you are shy or bold, new to singing or experienced, you’re welcome to contribute your voice to the collective harmony. Just bring your beautiful self and a desire to join in song.

The benefits of singing…

are physical, emotional, and social. Whether in person or across the internet, the power of collecting our voices together live is palpable. This is perhaps easiest to experience when meeting face-to-face. Hearing your own voice, while listening to your neighbors, each person’s individual difference feeds the overall texture of the whole. You can feel the vibration move through your body, connecting to others and the social space around you. Communal song reduces stress, releases endorphins, builds respiratory stamina, strengthens the immune system, and increases your confidence. There are so many benefits, yet for me it’s the social aspect that truly shines: Singing together creates a strong sense of integration and belonging; it is a powerful antidote to loneliness.

Singing online is not the same as singing together in person yet it still feels good, soothes the nervous system, and breaks isolation. Energy flows across our screens, making those tangible connections. With a few adjustments to Zoom’s default audio settings, the sound quality is decent for streaming live music. An odd temporal glitch creates an unexpected bonus. Because of the sound delay over the internet, our voices don’t sync up exactly. The work-around is that participants are on mute during the call, meaning no one else will hear you sing. Each person essentially sings a duet with the song-leader. This potentially creates a no-judgment zone, if you soften your own self-judgment, and also gives you the chance to experiment freely with your sound.

During our gatherings…

I lead and teach songs in the oral tradition, using call and echo. No need to read sheet music or know lyrics or melodies beforehand. We typically warm up with a few minutes of breathwork and chanting “Om” on single drone notes while I play the harmonium. Or we may start with impromptu call-and-echo-style vocalizing, which is sounding melodic phrases without any words. These exercises warm up our mouths, throats and vocal chords, loosen up the flow of creative energy and help us become present to the moment. There’s no right or wrong way to do them.

After warming up our voices, we move into singing and the majority of our time is spent singing our hearts out loud. Some songs are short and sweet, others have layers and harmonies, and all songs are easy to learn. We explore songs that are healing and fun, expressive of our joys and sorrows, in turns warm and soulful, folk and spiritual, personal and political. In my circles, many are inspired by Nature and the wild world that supports us. There is also be an occasional cover song or yoga mantra chant. Most songs are sung acappela and without instrumentation, and a few are accompanied by harmonium or djembe drum.

I hold in-person song circles in the Cortez/Dolores, Colorado area. (That’s the southwest corner of the state.) Weather permitting in-person meetings take place outside, typically in nearby parks and forests; once it’s too cold for outdoors, in-person meetings take place at indoor community spaces that allow for social distancing. Singing together outdoors is a great way to connect to nature and the living ecosystem that surrounds us as we naturally become an integral part of the sonic and physical landscape. Online meetings take place on Zoom, connecting through the power of raising our voices together virtually.

Regarding the virtual circles, if the thought of being on screen seems draining, you can choose to turn off your video on the call and still participate. Whether face-to-face or remotely, trust that the experience will lift your energy—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Listen…

To an example of a four-part layer song: “Sun Shine” by Jan Estep

Things to Know about In-Person and Online Sessions:

What: a community song circle.

When: We typically meet on Saturday or Sunday afternoons. I announce dates and times on this webpage. Subscribe below to receive notice of future dates.

Where: There are two options, depending on the weather and season: in-person and online.

For in-person circles we typically meet outside and rotate outdoor settings between local city parks and nearby forests and riverways in and near Cortez and Dolores, Colorado; in colder months and inclement weather we meet in local community spaces. I offer a free monthly community song circle at the Delores Public Library on Saturdays, usually the third Saturday of the month; see upcoming dates and times at the top of this page. For other song circles, the specific location is listed on this website and also when you register.

For online circles we meet via Zoom, from the comfort of your own home or wherever you may be; the link is sent after you register.

What to bring for in-person circles: Please dress in layers and bring a sun hat. Plus water and water bottle to stay hydrated.

Computer/phone set-up for online circles: For the online sessions you need a computer (recommended) or phone to dial into the circle. If using your computer, you also need a reliable internet connection. I suggest turning off other devices in the house that connect to your internet for the strongest signal. Download Zoom app for clients before the circle and you are good to go. You don’t need a special microphone or headset but both are welcome if you already have them.

Who: hosted by Jan Estep, open to anyone who loves to sing.

Register: You do not need to register for the monthly community song circle at the Dolores Public Library. For my other circles you register at Eventbrite to get your ticket. I create a new event and Eventbrite link each time we meet. After you register, you receive a confirmation email with directions (in-person) or the meeting link (online). I’ll also send a reminder email prior to the event with the physical address or Zoom link, so you’ll have it in two places. Please sign up at least 3 hours before the session starts. I post the live registration link to Eventbrite on this page when there’s an active circle announced.

Exchange: The monthly song circle at the Dolores Public Library is offered freely. My other circles are offered on a sliding scale of $10 to $25, pay what you can. (This amount includes the fees that Eventbrite collects on each ticket sale.) Feel free to email me if cost is a barrier and we can work something out.

Questions: use the Contact page or email me directly at jestep@umn.edu

Come raise your voice and connect to others in song.

Bio: Jan Estep is an artist, writer, and educator who explores creativity through a mindfulness-based lens. Her approach is informed by over two decades as a university professor of art, philosophy, and yoga. She has a PhD in philosophy, an MFA in art, and 720 hours TT (teacher training) in Kundalini Yoga and Prana Vinyasa Flow. She is also trained to teach MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) and other somatic practices. In her singing and chanting circles, she supports you coming to voice in ways that express your authentic uniqueness and that tap into your natural source of power, vitality, and joy. Creativity, in all forms, helps us connect to ourselves, each other, and the wider world around us. She has studied songleading with Heather Houston (Sisters in Harmony), Snatam Kaur, Lisa G. Littlebird, Mike Cohen, and Barbara McAfee. Based in southwest Colorado, Jan teaches in person and virtually. Learn more about her here.

All images and songs are original artwork Jan Estep©