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Voice Temple Presents: Songs For AthenaA day of myth, music, and magic!
Join a 200-person time traveling choir at the Nashville Parthenon, and feel the ripples we create when we raise our voices for peace, wisdom, & art. No prior singing experience required - all voices are welcome!
Whether you’re drawn by Athena, the Nashville Parthenon, mythology, history, community, or the chance to sing in a 200+ person choir—together, we explore what happens when hundreds of voices come together in harmony to embody peace.
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YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
- Access to exclusive event inside the Nashville Parthenon to sing in 200+ person choir in front of Athena statue!
- Outdoor flash mob on the Parthenon steps + Private rehearsal
- Access to merch table featuring local artisans creating art in theme of the event.
- Commemorative gift bags upon entry featuring Athenian - - Tetradrachm replica, Athenian crystal, and bracelet sponsored by Cosmic Connections.
- A chance to learn and perform Ancient Greek songs (2000+ years old...!) in Greek and English translation.
- A candlelit concert and group choir experience to end the evening.
- And so much more!
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TICKET TIERS
Ticket prices are for the entire series of events on August 15th. Tickets are limited to 222 participants!
$55 - Tier 1 - Early Bird (SOLD OUT!)
$60 - Tier 2 - Limited Availability
$65 - Tier 3 & DOS
NOTE: There is a limited number of scholarship and sliding scale tickets available! Please email me at [email protected] for more information!
Tickets are non-refundable.
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
AUGUST 15TH:
12:00-2:00 - Flash Mob Choir Rehearsal on the Centennial Park lawn (Exact location will be shared closer to date.)
2:30 PM -3:30 PM - Flash Mob Choir outside on the Parthenon steps
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM - Break for dinner and explore Nashville (List of nearby restaurants provided.)
6:00 PM - 10:30 PM - The main event! Join us for a special Voice Temple event (limited to 222 participants,) inside the Parthenon— singing in a large choir in front of the Athena statue. Peruse merch, enjoy local artisans, dress in your finest Greek-inspired clothing, and bask in the magic of ancient and modern songs!
NOTE: In the case of rain, the outdoor flash mob will take place on August 16th at 12:00 PM instead.
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IMPORTANT LOGISTICS & DETAILS:
Address: The Nashville Parthenon: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203.
- This is an ALL AGES event! Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
- This is a non-religious event and is open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
- This is a substance free event! Anyone using substances will be asked to leave the premises.
- You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the event.
- Handicap access inside of building, but no accessibility on the parthenon steps.
- There is plenty of parking at the Nashville Parthenon- but ride share is encouraged.
- In the case of inclement weather, updates will be communicated via email.
- Some portions of the event will involve standing.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- Please arrive on time for each portion of the event to support the flow of the experience.
- Participation is voluntary and at your own discretion.
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WHAT TO BRING
- Dress in Greek and Parthenon inspired attire! (Gold, white, blue encouraged!)
- Dinner will not be served at the event. Please plan accordingly! Light refreshments will be available.
- We encourage you to learn the songs beforehand (Music will be provided by July 15th!)
- Bring your phones for easy access to the lyrics and sheet music for the experience
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THE INSPIRATION
Athena is often seen as the goddess of war. However, she is really so much more.
She is a goddess of wisdom,
of strategy,
of art and textiles,
a creator of civilizations,
a guardian of a city.
Some might even say... A goddess of peace.
The intention is to gather as a choir of 200+ voices to sing, to embody peace,
and to explore what happens when we - like Athena - choose wisdom, strategy, art, and creation above all else.
Together, we will explore the mythology of Athena, and learn songs that shaped the Greek Renaissance (700-500 BCE.) We will sing these songs written thousands of years ago, and time travel to the era that laid the foundation for our current democracy.
Through ancient songs, modern interpretations, and collective voice - we are reminded that humans have been singing together for thousands of years, and that music and song has always been a powerful bridge - inviting us to choose harmony over division.
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A NOTE FROM VOICE TEMPLE FOUNDER
Your voice is welcome here exactly as it is.
While singing is highly encouraged, you are always in choice. If you need to take breaks, we at Voice Temple honor your sovereignty and personal intuition.
Under the uniting principles of magic, expansiveness, healing, empowerment, and unity, Voice Temple is a singing and voice movement with a mission to help individuals reconnect with their own voices—while discovering what becomes possible when we raise our voices together.
I look forward to hearing your beautiful voices, exactly as they are.
With care and excitement,
Melanie Dewey
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WHAT TO EXPECT & FAQS
Songs for Athena is a participatory choir experience designed to be welcoming, accessible, and emotionally moving — not perfection-focused. Throughout the evening, participants will be guided through simple group harmonies, ancient songs, modern interpretations, storytelling, and moments of collective singing inside and around the Nashville Parthenon.
All music, lyrics, translations, and learning materials will be provided to ticket holders in advance by July 15th to allow for easeful preparation before the event. The musical parts are intentionally simple and accessible, and there is never pressure to sing perfectly, sing every song, or perform individually. Participants are always encouraged to engage at their own comfort level while experiencing the power of hundreds of voices joining together in harmony.
FAQ #1 — Do I need singing experience?
No prior singing experience is required. Voice Temple’s mission is to help “re-earth the choir” by creating singing experiences that are accessible to everybody. Parts are intentionally simple, usually divided into only 2–3 sections, and all ages and experience levels are welcome.
FAQ #2 — What if I “can’t sing”?
In my teaching philosophy, everybody can sing. We are all at different levels of discovery, and we can all learn new skills - still, Voice Temple is designed to be welcoming to people at every level. You always have full vocal sovereignty — meaning you can sing loudly, softly, for one note, one song, or simply listen whenever you need to.
FAQ #3 — Is this religious?
Voice Temple is not a religious organization or religious experience. We explore myth, history, culture, and collective singing as a way to reconnect with ourselves and one another, with the goal of creating spaces where people from all walks of life, and belief systems can experience the felt sense of harmony through singing together in large groups.
FAQ #4 — Can I just watch?
While Songs for Athena is designed as a participatory experience, guests who prefer simply to witness are absolutely welcome. There is never pressure to sing beyond your comfort level. IMPORTANT: For this event - we are attempting to create the largest choir to ever sing in the Nashville Parthenon — so even joining for a single note or song would be incredibly meaningful.
FAQ #5 — How do I learn the music in advance?
All lyrics, music, and learning materials will be provided to ticket holders by July 15th so participants have time to familiarize themselves with the songs before the event. Keep an eye out for emails after purchasing your ticket - for all rehearsal materials, updates, and the full song list reveal.
FAQ #6 — Do I have to sing in Greek?
No. Most songs will be in English, with only a few songs including Greek or other ancient languages. All lyrics and translations will be provided in advance, and there is never pressure to sing in any language you don’t feel comfortable with.
FAQ #7 — Do I have to sing for every song?
No. Songs for Athena is designed to be participatory, but there is no pressure to sing for the entire event. Lyrics and music will be provided throughout the evening, and participants are welcome to join for whichever songs resonate with them most. That said, we do hope to encourage everyone to join together for the Seikilos Epitaph — the oldest surviving complete song in history — which will also be our official record-breaking choir moment.
FAQ #8 — What should I wear?
Ancient Greek or Grecian-inspired clothing is encouraged, along with white, gold, or blue tones to stay in line with the spirit of the event. There is no strict dress code, though — participation matters far more than attire.
FAQ #9 — Will there be rehearsals?
Yes. There will be one rehearsal on the day of the event prior to the flash mob, with the exact location and details announced by mid-July. All music, lyrics, and rehearsal materials — including the full song list — will also be sent to ticket holders by mid-July so participants can prepare in advance.
FAQ #10 — Is this historically accurate or inspired?
The evening will include a blend of historically accurate ancient songs alongside modern interpretations, Homeric hymns, and stories from Greek mythology transformed into participatory musical experiences.
FAQ #11 — Why are tickets priced this way?
Tickets are priced between $55–65 to help support the many moving parts involved in creating an event of this scale inside the Nashville Parthenon. Costs include venue rental, musicians, choir direction, sound production, photography and videography, event staff, decor, and the many artists and collaborators helping bring the experience to life inside one of Nashville’s most unique historic spaces.
FAQ #12 — If my friend or partner only wants to watch, do they still need a ticket?
Yes. Anyone attending the event — whether participating vocally or simply witnessing — will need to purchase a ticket. Songs for Athena is an all-ages event, and every ticket helps support the many artists, musicians, organizers, and production elements involved in bringing the experience to life. Limited scholarships are also available for those in financial need.
FAQ #13 — How do I apply for a scholarship?
To apply for a scholarship, email [email protected] and you will be sent a short application form. Scholarships are limited and intended to help make the experience more accessible to those who deeply feel called to attend.
FAQ #14 — Will I have to sing alone or perform individually?
No. Songs for Athena is designed as a collective choir experience, not an individual performance environment. Participants will be singing together in large groups, and there will never be pressure to solo or perform individually unless someone specifically desires to.
FAQ #15 — Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Many participants will likely be attending solo, and one of the core intentions of Voice Temple is creating spaces where people can experience connection, community, and belonging through collective song.
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This event is independently produced by Voice Temple and held at the Nashville Parthenon in cooperation with Centennial Park Conservancy.
This event is sponsored by Cosmic Connections Nashville
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Event Venue
Nashville Parthenon, Parthenon, 2500 W End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
Tickets
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