Music of the Body: The Art and Ritual of Circle Songs

In this workshop you will explore the rhythms and musical instincts of your body and mind through movement phrases, vocal explorations and rhythm games, leading to instant group compositions and improvised musical worlds. You will be challenged to improve the coordination between the different parts of your own body, and the coordination between yourself and others within the ‘body of the group’.
At the intersection of community, ritual and art, the Circle Song as popularised by Bobby McFerrin is a form of music-making which has been around since the first human songs were sung. During the workshop, you will create improvised ensemble music with each other in large and small groups, guided and assisted by the workshop leader. Ranging from free and abstract soundscapes to highly structured rhythmic grooves, the Circle Song experience can cover many territories and infinite moods. Training the mind and body in musical sensitivity, awareness and coordination within oneself and the ensemble is an essential practice for the actor-creator-collaborator.
Times: 10.00-16.00 ( inclusive of a 60-minute break )

Course leader

Patrick Soul is a multi-instrumentalist, holds an MMus in Jazz Performance and is a composer and a certified teacher of the UNFOLD Movement Method. He has trained with Bobby McFerrin, Roger Treece, Gaël Aubrit, Guillermo Rosenthuler, and Albert Hera.