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Song of Hope-EarthSongs

5/21/2018

We had such fun during Spring EarthSongs Workshops at Cerimon House. And we gathered some lovely chant-songs - origins for more expansive songs-to-come.

Below I've shared one of these co-created chants. The lyrics and music for this song's melodic chorus were improvised by Ginger during the workshop. Participants then learned and sang the chorus together and took turns improvising on top of the "rhythmic sections," adding melody, spoken word, or words with melody.

I've adapted the song (below) so that you can hear it with harmonies, practice improvising, and (of course) borrow it, if you like. A simple version of the scored song is also attached below. You'll notice that the score is in 5/4 time. The recorded song, however, alternates between 5/4 and 4/4 time.

In the introduction, I use the term "patterns" to describe rhythmic-melodic phrases that repeat (ostinati to you musicians). Interweaving of patterns (ostinati) is a basic improvisational technique, especially useful when opening up to group jams - exampled briefly at the end of the song.

When singers find and hold their patterns within these spontaneous harmonies, they also lend support for other folks who are improvising freely. This becomes reciprocal as singers naturally transition in and out of stable patterns and free-form improvisation. As a result, patterns often shift with the changing flow-of-energy, creating new harmony stacks, as singers keep exploring and reconnecting.

These songs are meant to be used by our communities as centering tools, for celebratory events, sharing circles...whatever feels appropriate. You are free to adapt, extend, simplify the rhythm sections to fit the needs of your group. I'd love to hear how you've used this song. Contact me HERE.

Please Enjoy!