About

Circlesinging: Established waaay back in the mists of time

People have probably been singing in circles since they first began to communicate with each other.

Vocal sound is a natural birthright, a refuge when words fail, a comfort when life sends us trials, and a joyous stream when there’s something to celebrate.

So, there’s that.

OK fair enough, but what actually happens in a circlesong?

The song begins with everyone standing in a circle. A leader steps into the center and makes up a part, right there on the spot, as the circle listens. The part could be a rhythm, a tone, a simple repeating phrase. When the part is ready, the leader cues a part of the circle to begin repeating it. Those singers join in, and keep their part repeating.

When that part is established, the leader creates a new part in the same way, and teaches it to another section of the group. And so on until there are many parts layered one on another. A groove is born. The “choir” has helped the leader bring forth something new and unique to that moment. The leader might sing a solo, or invite a soloist or other leader to join in the center.

Then something changes – the leader might change one or more of the parts, and the song shifts – the creative process, and the song, are fluid. Sometimes the song will come to a natural end and a new one will begin, or another leader might step forward and take the music in a new direction. If a part doesn’t “work,” or if it inspires something else, it can be changed – the key is listening and generosity, tuning in and creating something shared that everyone can enjoy.

Singers may join, move to a different part, or take a break at any time. A multi-hour circlesong will travel through many styles, moods, and grooves. Surprises happen, “mistakes” become serendipity, gestures say more than words. Community is formed, and the air has been warmed and changed. We enter empty, and leave filled anew.

From OneVoice to Voices!

That’s just how we do it – the way we learned from the tradition that first began in the 1990s at Grace Cathedral with Bobby McFerrin and Voicestra.

We have been gathering and feeding the flame since our first Sing For Your Life event in December 2002, at First Congregational Church of Oakland.

From there we quickly expanded to monthly workshops, and grew into OneVoice CircleSingers, a solid community of singers and organizers who love to make our Circlesongs happen, year after year.

The lockdown year of COVID broke our stride a bit – who knew something so good for you could turn out to be a dangerous thing to do? After a few attempts to make music over Zoom, we ditched that as soon as we could, and began singing together outdoors, distanced, with masks on.

This was the crucible in which OneVoice transformed to include more than just our beloved monthly and annual circlesongs. Now,Voices! has emerged from this beginning as a dedicated ensemble that holds the East Bay tradition, and reaches further to develop the craft and share the joy of Circlesongs for communities throughout the Bay Area.

Mission

To promote the craft and joy of group vocal improvisation, develop caring relationships through shared artistry, foster the unique voice of every individual, and bring “made up music” to wherever more harmony is needed.

Vision

Everything vibrates. Listening and improvising are essential skills for times of transformative change. Frequency and intentional sound have the potential to heal individuals, communities, and the world at large.

We seek to tune in to the world exactly as it is and to bring out the unique gifts of all good-hearted people, so that we might create a healthier, saner, more beautiful and creative world.

Values

  • Community is the bedrock​

  • Harmony is a practice​

  • Improvisation is a life skill​

  • Music lives in all creatures​