About this Event
Come join a cohort of participants committed to 4 weeks of rising and singing together, witnessing the transition of Spring into Summer, building a shared language of music, and enhancing our relationship with the natural world through engaging with the writings of Indigenous author Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Commitment: we meet 4 Thursdays in a row, from 7:00-8:15am, on 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, and 6/4. Participants can miss one of the 4 circles, as long as it isn't the first one on 5/14.
You are also welcome to join our 5/7 to try out the practice before committing to the series.
Reading: A short, optional reading by indigenous author Robin Wall Kimmerer will be sent before each circle for participants to read and engage in. This is not "homework" as in, no one will be obligated to read them, but is rather meant to be a supplement to our experience. All readings will be sent digitally through WhatsApp and email. Robin Wall Kimmerer writes about the convergence of Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, exploring themes of reciprocity, stewardship, and gratitude.
About the Facilitator: Jordan Mudd is a songleader, grief tender, vocal coach, co-founder of Boston-Area Singing Circles, and an avid explorer of the Arboretum. Learn more about him and listen to his music at www.jordanmudd.com
Additional 1-1 Coaching Available: All participants in this series are eligible for a private, pay-what-you-wish Embodied Vocal Coaching session with facilitator Jordan Mudd (original price $125), held outdoors in the Arboretum. These sessions will be part technical - teaching techniques and games to help you build confidence in your singing voice, and part experiential - using song to build a deeper personal connection with the natural world. Sessions last 75 minutes, and can be scheduled between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Sessions must be conducted between 5/14 and 6/4. Participation in a vocal coaching session is not required to participate in this series. Learn more about Jordan's approach to Embodied Vocal Coaching here.
WhatsApp Group: Participants will be invited to join a WhatsApp chat if desired, where they can stay connected to each other throughout the week, share thoughts on the readings, and respond to singing prompts.
Cost: A $30 "down-payment" is required to reserve your spot. A second payment will be asked for before the final circle - leaving it up to you to feel into what you received from the series and what reciprocity with the offering feels like to you. This approach to payment is out of a desire to "reimagine currencies of exhange" and move closer to the "gift economy", as described by Robin Wall Kimmerer in her writing. 25% of proceeds will go to the Native Land Conservancy.
Access: If cost is a barrier to you, we still want you to join - use the code "FREE" at checkout to reserve your spot for free.
What to Bring: A water bottle, & a blanket or chair to sit on.
All Ages Welcome: This series is welcome to caregivers of little ones. There is room for them to fully participate or hang out on the side and interact with the natural world around us. Children do not need to commit to all 4 weeks :)
Weather: In the event of heavy rain, circles will be rescheduled to the following Friday morning. You can still sign-up if you are unavailable Friday mornings - just help us pray for good weather!
Directions: Our meeting spot is in a beautiful circle of maple trees in a small valley by Bussey Hill Road. We recommend entering the Forest Hills Gate and following Bussey Hill Road until you get to a path on the right leading down to the circle. There is parking available along the arborway near the Forest Hills Gate.
Link to navigate to in your GPS for walking to the meeting spot: https://goo.gl/maps/tS3mvEWcmYaJEXdG7
Past participants said:
“The sunrise sing was a beautiful way to start each day and such a safe space for me to practice something new.”
“What could be better than lying on the forest floor, sun filtering through the autumn leaves, singing our gratitude for each other and the Earth?! Such a special gathering.”
Contact: If you have questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected]. For more information, visit our website & sign-up for our email list here.
, we inspire deeper connection to ourselves, each other, and the Earth through song. We believe in the healing, freedom, and joy that can come through communal singing, and aim to make that experience more widely accessible.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston, United States
USD 33.85
