Based on practices developed by Bobby McFerrin and his collaborators, Circle Singing is a supportive, judgment-free space to sing with others without having to read music. Leaders create songs in the moment — patterns, percussive sounds, rhythms, harmonies, melodies — and teach the parts orally to the rest of the group. The parts layer together into completely original compositions, each song a unique creation, never sung before, never to be sung again.
Jody will lead the group singing and will also teach different aspects of how to create an improvised ‘song’ for singers who want an opportunity to lead. There will be no pressure to lead if you don’t feel ready! It's a playful, joyful community singing experience.
All voices are welcome!
Feel free to contact Jody at jjalbright58@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Jody has been singing in a variety of contexts all of her life—from singing with her family, to church choir, an a cappella group, a punk band, as a singer/songwriter and as a jazz and blues singer.
Jody started singing jazz and blues in the early 1980s. She enjoys how the music depends upon the skill of improvisation which gives her a way to truly make the songs her own and re-invent them every time she sings. She has performed many times at the Discover Jazz Festival, First Night Burlington, and in public and private venues throughout Vermont. She’s also appeared as a guest artist on Vermont Public Radio and Television, singing jazz and her own compositions.In 2013 she recorded her first CD from a live performance at FlynnSpace in Burlington. It is available through CDBaby. Jody recently had the opportunity to attend a Circlesinging workshop at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY led by Bobby McFerrin. This amazing experience inspired her to offer Circlesinging in her own community and she has since led several sings in Hinesburg. She wanted to have the opportunity through ACCESS to explore working with the same group of singers for multiple sessions to help singers realize the power and potential of Circlesinging.
Jody Albright
