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  • Published on

    140. The Feast with Guest Heidi Wilson

    2:2 Abundance Be Grateful Be Present Celebrate Earth Enough Fire Generosity Harvest Holy Ribbon Scale: Aeolian (minor) Song Form: Unison Song Form: Unison With Separate Harmony Line Songwriter Conversation Sun Water
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:04:00
    Start time of reprise: 01:01:08

    ​Lyrics:

    Holy Fire in the sun
    Water in the river, and Wind within my lungs
    Oh holy Earth beneath my feet
    All of us are offerings and also at the feast
    Picture
    Song: The Feast
    Music by: Heidi Wilson

    ​Notes: A lively songwriter conversation about gratitude, helping, useful questions, tending a group, getting traction with things we're passionate about, collaboration, caves & crankies and so much more! Heidi shares The Feast -- a gratitude song that intermingles the elements and us, and we get a special glimpse of 7-year-old Heidi songwriting and going big.

    Songwriter Info: Heidi Wilson has a passion for sharing songs in service to community and the wild world; songs that celebrate the seasons, bring groups together, offer thanks, muster courage, and make room for healing. She is drawn to the potent and surprising journey of deep-listening and collaborative emergent music making. Heidi has been leading community singing groups in Vermont for the last 15 years and currently sings with the vocal trio Heartwood.

    Sharing Info: Heidi says: "    I’m on an ongoing journey figuring out how to share songs (that feel like generous gifts from the world) while also making a living as a songweaver. I am happy for the songs coming through me to be shared! If people are singing them in informal, community, or ritual settings that’s awesome, sing away! If people are sharing them in a setting where they are making a bunch of money or there is a budget for educational/repertoire materials and they are able to pass some of those resources my way I appreciate that. I would feel good about that reciprocity coming in the form of a one time donation, or by joining me on Patreon and supporting my songweaving work at any monthly level. And if you are interested in recording any of these songs let’s talk!

    Looking for recordings of more songs? I mostly share music through Patreon, an online platform to support artists. On my Patreon site I’ve posted 80+ songs. Each post has downloadable practice recordings of the harmony parts. And through Patreon I also link to a spreadsheet where the songs are organized into categories, so you can listen through and find just the right song for Spring, or Gratitude, or Trees."
    ​
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:04:00
    Start time of reprise: 01:01:08

    Links: 
    Heidi's Website: www.heidiannwilson.com
    Heidi's Patreon: www.patreon.com/HeidiWilson
    Heartwood Trio's Website: www.Heartwoodtrio.com
    Sarina Partridge's Website: www.sarinapartridge.com
    Heinavankar: Songs of Olden Times -Estonian Folk Hymns and Runic Songs: https://www.discogs.com/release/17138368-Heinavanker-Songs-Of-Olden-Times-Estonian-Folk-Hymns-And-Runic-Songs

    Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, Aeolian, (harmonic minor in the harmonies), unison harmonized optionally

    Join the A Breath of Song Mailing list
    (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share)  to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar
    (https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html) (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    139. Bend and Rebound

    4:4 Accept Change Determination Earth Flex Gentle Heal Mantra Motion Pain Release Ribbon Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Round Trees
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:38
    Start time of reprise: 00:11:42

    Lyrics:

    Bend and rebound, bend and rebound
    ​Gentle strength of the willow is found
    Picture
    Song: Bend and Rebound
    Music by: Heidi Wilson

    ​Notes: Heidi is an incredible resource for songs connected with the natural world -- and this one turns to willows, with their ability to give and spring, bend and rebound. Next week, Heidi and I get to talk about how she accesses her own rebound during winter and other times. We ponder the urge to help, the balance of local and travel, and Heidi describes what she is "on a rampage" about... including a request for listeners regarding a cave! I hope you can join us...

    Songwriter Info: Heidi Wilson has a passion for sharing songs in service to community and the wild world; songs that celebrate the seasons, bring groups together, offer thanks, muster courage, and make room for healing. She is drawn to the potent and surprising journey of deep-listening and collaborative emergent music making. Heidi has been leading community singing groups in Vermont for the last 15 years and currently sings with the vocal trio Heartwood.

    Sharing Info: Heidi says: "    I’m on an ongoing journey figuring out how to share songs (that feel like generous gifts from the world) while also making a living as a songweaver. I am happy for the songs coming through me to be shared! If people are singing them in informal, community, or ritual settings that’s awesome, sing away! If people are sharing them in a setting where they are making a bunch of money or there is a budget for educational/repertoire materials and they are able to pass some of those resources my way I appreciate that. I would feel good about that reciprocity coming in the form of a one time donation, or by joining me on Patreon and supporting my songweaving work at any monthly level. And if you are interested in recording any of these songs let’s talk!

    Looking for recordings of more songs? I mostly share music through Patreon, an online platform to support artists. On my Patreon site I’ve posted 80+ songs. Each post has downloadable practice recordings of the harmony parts. And through Patreon I also link to a spreadsheet where the songs are organized into categories, so you can listen through and find just the right song for Spring, or Gratitude, or Trees."
    ​
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:38
    Start time of reprise: 00:11:42

    Links: 
    Heidi's Website: www.heidiannwilson.com
    Heidi's Patreon: www.patreon.com/HeidiWilson
    Heartwood Trio's Website: www.Heartwoodtrio.com

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Ionian (major), 2-part round with harmony

    Join the A Breath of Song Mailing list
    (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share)  to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar
    (https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html) (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    138. My thoughts make a difference

    3 Layer 4:4 Change Determination Empower Heal Hope Justice Scale: Aeolian (minor) Song Form: Layer
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:07
    Start time of reprise: 00:12:50
    Lyrics:

    My thoughts make a difference
    My feelings make a difference
    My words make a difference
    My healing makes a difference

    I will not shy away from the struggle in my soul
    I will waste no time, for this day is growing old

    What can I do for this broken world?
    Picture
    Song: My Thoughts Make A Difference
    Music by: Chandler Yorkhall

    ​Notes: The energy and determination that this song funnels into me can be formidable. It steps from naming that our individual thoughts, feelings, words, and healing matters; next stop is a determination to pay attention to the struggle, because time is short; and then the question -- what can I do for this broken world? It's a vital progression and gathering of force. I sing it at two very different tempos (well, the second, faster one I don't QUITE manage, but, you know, I'll get better at it!) One of the things that stopped me from singing for a long time was feeling like I wasn't good enough, even to sing to myself, because I didn't sound like the albums I had. That's why I leave mistakes in this podcast -- I'm reclaiming my right to not be perfect, and the playfulness and energy that comes from that... and I hope hearing me mess up frees space for you, too.

    Songwriter Info: Chandler grew up singing with his family and can’t remember a time when singing wasn’t part of his daily life. He has been writing, leading, and getting inspired by songs since he was a teen, and songs have saved his sanity more times than he can remember. He is so pleased to be able to share his joy through sharing his songs. Chandler lives in Minneapolis with his wife and 4 children, who also love to sing! He's never really settled on a parenting “philosophy” per se, until his two teen daughters returned from their first Village Harmony camp, singing lustily in praise of everything good. At that point he said to himself, “Well, if my children leave my home knowing how to sing, I guess I’ll have done them, and the world, a great service.”

    Sharing Info:     Yes - The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Chandler for recording, performing, or publication permission.
    ​
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:07
    Start time of reprise: 00:12:50

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Aeolian, 3 layer

    Join the A Breath of Song Mailing list
    (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share)  to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar
    (https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html) (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    137. Kick Up Your Heels!

    4:4 Abundance Be Present Celebrate Empower Gather Generosity Grow Heart Hope Joy Light Love Scale: Aeolian (minor) Song Form: Round Uptempo
    Song Learning Time Stamps: 
    Start time of teaching:  00:03:37
    Start time of reprise: 00:12:34
    Lyrics:
    Sometimes you just gotta,
    gotta celebrate,
    kick up your heels and
    dance!
    ​
    Sometimes you just gotta,
    gotta celebrate,
    spread your wings and
    lift your hands…

    High yo-dn (4x)
    High!
    Ah ah ah ah
    un-day-i-o.
    (2x)
    Picture
    Song: Kick Up Your Heels!
    ​Music: ​Patricia Norton

    ​Notes:     You know how sometimes happiness just bubbles up inside you and it feels like the world is unbelievably sweet? And then maybe, you get a little voice that says, "If you notice it, it's gonna disappear!" Or, "Don't be too happy, it attracts bad luck!" Or any other little fear message that says it's not okay to be purely happy for a moment? This song was my way of letting that go, dancing crazy around my living room and kitchen, lifting my hands high, high and releasing into the glow! On February 24th, 2024, A Breath of Song reached 51.5k downloads and we opened registration for our first-ever retreat... and we sang this song in a crowded Zoom room to celebrate big.

    Songwriter Info: In addition to hosting this podcast and an online singing program, Pocket Songs, Patricia is excited to be developing an in-person community singing program in Burlington, Vermont. You can find more details about that at the Juneberry Music site. Patricia believes in singing as a part of vibrant well-being, experiencing wholeness, courage, connection and joy along with brokenness, fear, loneliness, and despair... trusting the whole messy catastrophe! She lives with her long-time beloved, Tom, in a small townhouse close to their daughter's family (the better to play with their grand). Patricia reads widely, and also spends time exploring the natural world on these Abenaki lands, knitting, and reluctantly strength-training.

    Sharing Info:  You are welcome to share this song; please contact Patricia directly for sheet music or permission to record or perform. She always appreciates hearing about how the song travels.

    Song Learning Time Stamps: 
    Start time of teaching:  00:03:37
    Start time of reprise: 00:12:34

    Links: 
    Patricia's Website: https://www.juneberrymusic.com
    A Breath of Song on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/juneberrymusic
    A Breath of Song on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abreathofsongpodcast

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, aeolian with some chromaticism, round
    ​
    Join the A Breath of Song Mailing list
    (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share) 
    to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar ​(whoo-hoo!!!!)
    (https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html)
    or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!    ​
  • Published on

    136. Breathe Deep

    4:4 Be Present Breathe Calm Flow Gentle Mantra Release Rest Ribbon Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Layer Tend Trauma Trust Wisdom
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:41
    Start time of reprise: 00:17:42
    Lyrics

    All you need is a quiet moment.
    All you need is a quiet moment.
    All you need is a quiet moment,
    go inside. Go inside.

    Breathe deep, breathe deep.
    Breathe deep, everything's alright.
    Picture
    Song: Breathe Deep
    Music by:​ Sara Stutz

    ​    Notes: I had an early morning voice as I was recording this, full of creaks and gaps -- and it shifts as it goes! I didn't rerecord, partly because, you know, time, and partly because I'm challenging myself to let recordings be human and real, and partly because A Breath of Song is all about turning up with the voices we have... so you're welcome! 😊 Sara Stutz's beautiful song starts in one calm place, and then ever so gracefully settles into an even calmer presence. I can feel my whole system regulate every time I sing it.

    Songwriter Info: Sara grew up in a musical family and has always loved to sing. Over the years, Sara sang in choirs, performed in musical theater, led songs as a camp counselor, studied music in college, performed classically and thankfully, landed in the world of community singing about seven years ago when she met Kaitie Ty Warren and started singing with a few folks in Kaitie's living room. The heart connection, and joy that the Community Singing world has brought to Sara has been life changing. Sara is currently co-leading Living Room Choir ANEW with Kaitie Ty Warren and recently had the great good fortune to travel to Victoria Canada to complete her Community Choir Leadership Training (CCLT) and become part of the Ubuntu Network. Sara also works as a pediatric physical therapist and loves to use singing, rhythm and movement to support connection and emotional regulation for little and big people.

    Sharing Info: Sara would be delighted if you sing and share her song. She'd love to hear how this song might land with you or your group.

    Links:
    Sara is co-leader of Living Room Choir ANEW: https://thelivingroomchoir.com/
    Sara's email addresses:
    smstutzpt@gmail.com
    sara@saramstutzmspt.com
    Kaitie Ty Warren: https://kaitietywarren.com/
    Community Choir Leadership Training (CCLT): https://www.communitychoirleadership.com

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:41
    Start time of reprise: 00:17:42

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, 3-layer, harmonized (5 parts total)

    Join the A Breath of Song mailing list (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share) 
    to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html) 
    (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    135. What Would it Take with Guest Meg O'Dell Chittenden

    6:8 Be Present Belonging Flow Gather Generations Grieve Heart Home Joy Love Peace Release Ribbon Scale: Minor Sea Song Form: Harmonized Water
    Song: What Would It Take
    Music:     Meg O'Dell Chittenden
    Lyrics:

    What would it take to let yourself
    Fall, fall in love with life completely
    What is the place that softly calls you
    Home, home, back to yourself so ease-fully

    All of these days are made of what we sow
    Gather in and then let go
    Beneath these waves of joy and grief and woe
    The sea moves deep and slow

    Picture
    Notes: Meg tells us where she goes "to integrate, to reorient around what matters most to me, and connect with the world around me and that sense of source within myself." We talk about "the good, the beautiful, and the true," and she doesn't shy away from the awkward questions I have about those words in today's world. Meg and her two children, Clancy and Celia, teach us "What Would It Take?" with its intertwining harmonies, and then later we talk about the experience of singing in harmonies and how it connects to boundarys and group awareness. Meg says, “My pathway with the voice…is about repeatedly coming back into connection with myself…and the possibility of joy.”

    Songwriter Info: Meg loves helping people access their innate capacity for healing, connection, and joy. She is a somatic coach, supporting individuals and couples in growth, transformation, and healing. Because she's always found the voice, and especially singing in harmony with others, to be a particularly powerful pathway for connection with ourselves and the world around us, she delights in serving as a music teacher, song leader, and vocal mentor. She hosts an annual adult and family singing retreat on the coast of Maine called SongWeavers. In addition, Meg is an Adjunct Professor for Antioch University's Graduate Program for Waldorf Teachers and for the Center for Anthroposophy's Waldorf High School Teacher Education Program. Her sources of inspiration include the small, misty mountain that overlooks her home and singing with her children, Clancy and Celia.

    Sharing Info: Yes -- The song is free to share but Meg always welcome financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.

    Links: People of the Dawnland, Wabanaki confederacy and Penobscot people: https://matlt.org/wabanaki-people-of-the-dawnland/
    Spell Songs: The Lost Words: https://www.thelostwords.org/spell-songs/
    The Spell Songs: Blessing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUBBF99UNkQ
    Blue Hill Mountain: https://bluehillheritagetrust.org/blue-hill-mountain/
    SongWeavers of Maine: https://www.singwaldorf.org
    Antioch University, Masters for Waldorf Teachers: https://www.antioch.edu/academics/education/waldorf-education-med/
    Heidi Wilson: https://heidiannwilson.com/
    Sarina Partridge: https://sarinapartridge.com/
    Nicholas Williams: https://www.kehlerwilliams.com/about
    Bennett Konesni: https://www.duckbackfarm.com/
    Bagaduce Music lending Library: https://www.bagaducemusic.org/
    Waldorf Education: https://www.waldorfeducation.org/waldorf-education
    Meg’s Somatic Coaching: https://www.singwaldorf.org/work-with-meg
    Tinder Hearth pizza restaurant: https://www.tinderhearth.com/
    Joni Mitchell - Blue: https://jonimitchell.com/music/album.cfm?id=5
    Kongero- Swedish Folk'appella group: https://kongero.se/

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:45
    Start time of song after teaching: 00:34:56
    Start time of reprise: 01:16:40

    Nuts & Bolts: 6:8, minor, 3-part harmony

    Join the A Breath of Song Mailing list (https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share)
    to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html)
    (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!