Vocal Flow Sequence

**This is a 2-part sequence!! The intention is for attendees to attend BOTH sessions, to allow for participants to dive deeper into music & connection. A 2-part session will give us the opportunity to build upon new skills, develop deeper intimacy and trust within our circle, and explore further into the realms of spontaneous song, collaborative play, and vocal flow.**

SESSION I: April 29, 7-9:30pm at Houghton Hall, Booth Studio: 22 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016

SESSION II: April 30, 7-9:30pm at ArtsOnSite 3F: 12 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

In Vocal Flow, we take a deeper dive into the waters of collaborative vocal improvisation and circlesinging in an intimate, small circle setting. This session is limited to 20 experienced singers ~ singers with solid musical skills who are seeking to deepen their relationship to improvisational flow, connect with new friends through musical play, and co-create vocal magic out of thin air. We will begin by crafting a space of trust and safety, of playfulness and discovery, of curiosity and vulnerability. Then, with our new friends by our side, we will take the leap and jump into singing games that explore:

• rhythm
• melody
• harmony
• movement
• song form
• lyrical flow
• duet
• small ensemble composition

These music games, inspired by Rhiannon’s Vocal River curriculum, the Musica do Circulo practice, Bobby McFerrin’s Circle Song School, and Matt’s own improvisational ideations, give us the tools to craft spontaneous compositions that center deep listening, trust, flow, and self-surprise. Together, we will ask ourselves, “How can I listen more deeply to my inner creativity, to my singing partners, and to the music itself? What does the music want in this moment, and how might I serve the music?”

What a joy, to dip our toes into the flow of collaborative vocal improvisation. Come on in, the water’s fine!

Limited to 20 people.

What does “experienced” mean?

We would say this session is for singers that are confident holding their own part, who are comfortable holding rhythm and harmony, and who are willing to be brave and let themselves be heard and seen in their improvisational exploration. If you’re willing to be brave and want to grow, then this circle is for you! And, as always, this session is a judgment-free zone where mistakes are welcomed and encouraged. No need for perfection here. This is a space to play!!

WHO IS LEADING THIS CIRCLESINGING SESSION?

This session will be facilitated by the wonderful Tracy Robertson.

Vocalist, educator, and vocal percussionist Tracy LJ Robertson enjoys working in a variety of musical settings. While studying at Berklee College of Music he performed in ensembles of global influence, from Balkan to contemporary Indian, to Latin, to western classical and jazz. He's since performed and recorded with a range of artists including Bobby McFerrin, Valerie Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Sabrina Carpenter, Andy Grammer, Michael Bublé and Billie Eilish. Meanwhile the acappella community has offered opportunity to tour and educate with groups like Pitch Slapped, Overboard, Vocalosity, m-pact, The Magnets, and The House Jacks. He is also supremely grateful to work and facilitate for organizations like the Urban Voices Project, his newest project - Vocal Bloom, and in more and more spaces where music and improvisation is explicitly supporting/instigating healing and empowerment. Tracy enjoys spreading his passion for life through music and ever deepening appreciation of mother nature.

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COVID VACCINATION & BOOSTER RECOMMENDED (but masks not required)

CANCELLATION POLICY

We want as many people to be able to experience these gatherings as possible, and since capacity is limited, each spot is precious! If you RSVP but are no longer able to come, please let us know at least 24 hours before the event so that we may offer your spot to someone else. Tickets are non-transferable, as we need to be able to gather enough funds to rent the spaces and pay our lovely facilitator.

For more info, contact us at [email protected].

MEDIA CONSENT

Because we want to share what we’re up to with people who can’t join us in person, there may be photographers and videographers present — by attending, you consent to being a part of that media, some of which may be posted online! Please email us with any questions or concerns at [email protected]

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GAIA MUSIC COLLECTIVE MISSION

Gaia Music Collective is a creative community based in Brooklyn, NYC. Our mission is to create connective, playful, accessible spaces for collaborative music-making. Spaces where we can seek expression, growth, freedom, & release in our music. Spaces where we can explore the healing potential of collective music-making and improvisation. Spaces where folks feel safe to express themselves free of judgment or expectation, and to make new friends as our weird, beautiful, authentic selves.

All are welcome in this community. Gaia celebrates humans of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, classes, religions, abilities, national origins, languages, and musical experiences. All we ask is that you bring an open mind, a desire to connect, and a willingness to leave judgment of self & others at the door.

Here at Gaia, we believe that music-making - and making that music in community & collaboration with other people - is a fundamental human practice, and this project seeks to build space for that in a day and age when it can so often be hard to find.

Gaia Music Collective seeks to break down divisions between performer & audience and craft experiences where we are ALL part of the music-making. We hope to offer a network & platform for local artists & creatives to connect with other artists, activate their creativity through play and collaboration, and engage their art with other musical minds.

In short - we're here to sing, to play, to connect, to grow, and to have a good time!

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Houghton Hall Arts Community, 22 East 30th Street, New York, United States