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  • Published on

    134. Calling Us In

    4:4 Be Present Beauty Belonging Earth Gather Generations Grieve Grow Harmony Heal Home Journey Joy Light Listen Moon Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Harmonized Sun Trust Wisdom
    Song: Calling Us In
    ​Music:     Meg O'Dell Chittenden
    Lyrics:

    May our path lead us towards one another.
    May our song guide us home to ourselves.
    Calling us in. Calling us in again.
    Help us remember how to begin again.

    May our hope lead us towards one another.
    May our joy guide us home to ourselves.
    Calling us in. Calling us in again.
    Trusting our grief that is our gateway to heal again.

    May the sun lead us towards one another.
    May the moon guide us home to ourselves.
    Calling us in. Calling us in again.
    Heeding the voice of the true light within again.

    May this land lead us towards one another.
    May the seed guide us home to ourselves.

    Picture
    Notes: Even though I had a runny nose while recording, I practiced showing up with my voice where it is, feeling into the body, noticing the breath... it felt beautiful to be "calling us in," following Meg O'Dell's guidance "home to ourselves." I love the way this melody rocks and rolls through so many comforting words -- I come away with the sense of "true-ing" myself, "whole-ing." I wonder what you will notice as you sing? Make ample use of the rewind button to give yourself a chance to learn some things that I breeze through pretty quickly -- and you can easily find the words at abreathofsong.com if they aren't in front of you here! Enjoy...

    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.

    Links: Meg's Website: www.singwaldorf.com

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:45
    Start time of reprise: 00:19:30

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Ionian, 3-part harmony

    Join theA 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

    132. Hold Fast the Hope

    4:4 Belonging Calm Determination Dreams Earth Flow Gentle Heal Hope Journey Peace Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Unison
    Song: Hold Fast the Hope
    Music: Paulette Meier
    Words:​ George Fox, from Epistle #314 (1675)

    Lyrics:

    Hold fast the hope, that anchors the soul,
    which is sure and steadfast,
    ​that you may float above the world’s sea.
    Picture
    Notes: We play a little with the harmonies over and under this very singable melody Paulette wrote to set part of a letter written in 1675 by George Fox (it's been a minute!) He was writing during troubled times to a persecuted people. As I was recording, I kept wondering how it could feel to be both "sure and steadfast" and "float above"... the invitation is open to you to explore!

    Songwriter Info: Paulette Meier is a Quaker singer/songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio, where her strong voice has led crowds in song at many a gathering for peace, justice and an earth restored. As a peace educator in schools, she produced an award-winning album, Come Join the Circle: LessonSongs for Peacemaking, now used in classrooms across the country to help children learn the skills of peacemaking. As Artist in Residence for 9 months at Pendle Hill, a Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation, her appreciation for Quaker history and spirituality deepened, leading to a practice of setting inspiring quotations of 17th century Quaker founding leaders to chant-like song. She leads chanting at the Wisdom retreats of Cynthia Bourgeault, author, mystic, and teacher of the contemplative Christian Wisdom tradition. This on-going collaboration led to a second album of Quaker chants composed by Paulette, Wellsprings of Life: Quaker Wisdom in Chant, on which this song can be found.

    Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Paulette for recording and/or performing permission. When sharing this song, please credit the source: w: George Fox, 1675; m: Paulette Meier, on the album Wellsprings of Life, Quaker Wisdom in Chant.

    Links: Paulette's Website (order downloads or CD here) - www.paulettemeier.com

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:04
    Start time of reprise: 00:13:31

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, unison with harmonies

    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

    130. Ride the Storm with guest Kate Valentine

    2:2 Accept Be Present Belonging Calm Change Determination Earth Empower Friendship Gather Generations Heal Home Journey Motion Pain Release Safe Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Layer
    Song: Ride the Storm
    Music:     Kate Valentine
    Lyrics:

    I'll ride the storm. I'll ride the storm.
    Ride the storm. Ride the storm.

    I'll ride this storm with you;
    I'll ride this storm.

    Shelter me, shelter me.
    Picture
    ​Notes: Even though Kate wanted a resolution, the song insisted on being what it is -- a way to stay in the storm. She talks with me about how that felt, and what happened as she kept listening. We explore further -- how do you become a songleader when that's not how you view yourself? How do you write songs, when that feels scary-impossible? What is it about singing together that offers healing, and why is Kate herself drawn to doing things that help people in difficult moments? Where do songs live? I left this conversation with respect and excitement tumbling over each other... I hope you, too, enjoy hearing Kate's perspective.

    Songwriter Info: Kate Valentine is a registered nurse and founder of Singing Mamas - a national non-profit for maternal well-being, bringing singing groups across the UK and the globe to women and mothers. Kate started with one group in 2011 and while struggling as a single mum to 3 sons and working nights shifts, she set about to get singing mamas free and referred to all new and expectant mums across the UK. There are now more than 200 leaders across 8 countries, with Singing Mamas programmes being delivered in over 50 local authorities, either as community groups or on-prescription through the national health service (NHS).

    Kate is most passionate about bringing the 'untrained' musician into the work of song sharing, and is driven by a determination to re-normalise a singing culture, where it has been lost.

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

    Links:
    Ashdown Forest - Winnie the Pooh: https://ashdownforest.org/explore/winnie-the-pooh/
    Natural Voice Network: https://www.naturalvoice.net/
    Nick Prater: https://www.susiero.com/nick-prater.html
    Singing Mamas: www.singingmamas.org
    You Are My Sunshine: https://www.wideopencountry.com/you-are-my-sunshine/
    DYCP Award Arts Council: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/dycp
    Monkey Mind: https://www.pocketmindfulness.com/understanding-monkey-mind-live-harmony-mental-companion/
    Episode 129: "Inner Peace" by Kate Valentine: https://www.abreathofsong.com/episodes--show-notes/129-inner-peace
    National Health Service UK: https://www.nhs.uk/
    Empowering women and addressing poverty: https://givingcompass.org/article/how-women-empowerment-can-help-address-poverty
    ​German Melodic Minimal Techno: https://www.chosic.com/genre-chart/minimal-melodic-techno/
    Royal college of Music, Dave Camlin: https://www.rcm.ac.uk/research/people/details/?id=94812
    Sound waves made visible…
    https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2814-sound-visualising-sound-waves
    Cymatics: https://journeyofcuriosity.net/pages/what-is-cymatics-how-to-explained
    Fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSQP0D4p8Xo
    Sand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvJAgrUBF4w
    Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morisette: https://genius.com/albums/Alanis-morissette/Jagged-little-pill
    Anohni and the Johnsons (previously known as Antony and the Johnsons): https://www.anohni.com/
    Victor Ruiz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVT_81WihTA
    Sama’ Abdulhadi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4lH-KzsQi0
    Singing Mamas on Instagram: @singing_mamas_org
    Singing Mamas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/singingmamas

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:04:52
    Start time of reprise: 01:23:00

    Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, major, 4-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

    121. Make Good Trouble

    3 Layer 4:4 Be Present Celebrate Change Determination Empower Fire Grow Hope Journey Justice Ribbon Scale: Dorian Song Form: Harmonized
    Song: Make Good Trouble
    Music: Elizabeth Melvin
    Lyrics

    Part 1:
    Stand up and make good trouble
    Speak up and make good trouble
    Get up and make good trouble
    Rise up and make good trouble

    Part 2:
    Never, ever be afraid
    to make some noise, make some noise

    Part 3:
    This is the struggle,
    the struggle of a lifetime
    (Make good trouble)
    ​
    Picture
    Notes: John Lewis says bluntly, "Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part." Elizabeth gives us an equally blunt, strong song inspired by the life and words of John Lewis, reminding us to be unafraid to make the noise that needs to be made -- to stand up, and make good trouble -- to not give up because change doesn't come quickly, but rather see it as a lifetime struggle. I share all the parts together eventually, but you could pick and choose to sing only one or two of the parts, depending on which you needed. You'll hear some chromatic notes (close together in pitch) in one of the parts, which create some lively harmonies. I teach it at a slightly slower tempo, then put all the parts together a little faster -- you can see which speed feels best in you!

    Songwriter Info: Elizabeth Melvin holds a deep belief in the power of music to provide transformative, joyous experiences on the individual and community level. She brings a lifetime of study and performance in world music to her work as a choir director and song leader. A multi-instrumentalist, she has performed on marimba, keyboards and percussion in a wide variety of genres. She is the founding director of The Freedom Choir, a 60-voice world music community choir in Annapolis, MD. During the height of the pandemic she led the weekly Rise and Sing online community sing featuring guest song leaders from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Africa. Elizabeth is a graduate of the Community Choir Leadership Training in Victoria, B.C., Canada. She has led vocal music workshops around the East Coast and Canada and is passionate about helping everyone find their voice and claim their birthright to sing.

    ​Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups. Please contact Elizabeth Melvin if you plan to perform, record or film it with a choral ensemble and she requests that you/your group make a donation to any social justice or voting rights non-profit of your choice in honor of John Lewis. When using this song and the YouTube video (produced by Lea Morris) in a worship or educational setting, please purchase a license at https://www.hopesingseternal.me/songs/makegoodtrouble The license includes the YouTube video, mp3 & mp4 learning tracks and a score.

    Links: 
    Elizabeth's choir Website: https://www.thefreedomchoir.com
    The Freedom Choir on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomChoir
    Elizabeth's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rhythmsis
    Elizabeth's Instagram: @liberateyourvoice
    ​YouTube Video of Make Good Trouble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nGomUt8gLQ

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:04:58
    Start time of reprise: 00:14:52
    ​​
    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Dorian (ish), 3 layer, harmonized

    ​Join the A Breath of Song mailing list 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!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!​
  • Published on

    120. Alchemy with Guest Te Martin

    3 Layer 4:4 Be Present Belonging Dreams Empower Flow Future Gratitude & Trust Grow Journey Peace Play Praise & Wonder Scale: Ionian (Major) Songwriter Conversation Trust Wisdom
    Song: Alchemy
    Music:     Te Martin
    Lyrics: 

    Part 1:
    Everything is helping you
    grow and thrive
    know what you need to know

    Part 2:
    And it is not too late
    it is not too late to follow
     [x3]
    your dreams

    Part 3:
    ​Dream!
    Picture
    Notes: “I feel inside of myself something expanding when I sing," says Te. They've used song to metabolize experience for as long as they can remember... and as Te shares this song, we get to feel into their experience of trust. Alchemy could be a way of building gold out of fear; something beautiful is uncovered as Te sings and shares about learning to carry the complexity of song sharing loosely, relationship to each other and the earth, liberation... and the magic of a sigh.

    Songwriter Info: Te Martin is a song-keeper and ritual artist. They were born on Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco and have been shaped by Ocean, Redwoods, circus arts, and theater games. They facilitate oral tradition singing classes and workshops that focus on song as a tool for collective liberation, somatic regulation, and ancestral connection. Te served as co-organizer of Thrive Street Choir in the San Francisco bay area for six years, is a student of Gaelic song, and released their first professional music video and EP of original songs, "Water & Bones," in 2021.

    ​Sharing Info: Yes -- The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Te for recording and/or performing permission

    Links from the conversation: 
    The Lama Foundation: https://www.lamafoundation.org/
    Pueblo Tiwa People Northern New Mexico: https://accessgenealogy.com/new-mexico/tiwa-pueblo-indians.htm
    Southern Pomo Coast Miwok: 
    https://alamedanativeart.com/post/alameda-native-history-project/coast-miwok-and-southern-pomo-map/
    Songs of Mother Europe: https://weavingremembrance.org/songs-of-mother-europe-fall/
    The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144590-the-alchemist
    The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: https://juliacameronlive.com/books-by-julia/
    Alchemy process: https://aras.org/concordance/content/alchemical-process-and-its-stages
    Village Fire Singing Iowa: http://www.villagefiresinging.org/
    Liz Rog: https://realsmalltowns.com/liz-rog-singing-as-breath-and-food/
    Singing Alive Oregon: https://singingalive.org/
    Melanie DeMore: https://melaniedemore.com/bio/
    Lisa G. Littlebird: https://thebirdsings.com/
    Finding Our Voice on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingourvoiceproject -- while Josh and Te's "Finding Our Voice" project didn't end up with lots of accessible recorded interviews, it built more community among songleaders and nurtured both Josh and Te.
    Laurence Cole: https://www.laurencecole.com/
    Thrive Street Choir in San Francisco bay area: http://www.thriveeastbay.org/thrivestreetchoir
    Lyndsey Scott: https://www.lyndseyscott.earth
    Joanna Laws Landis: https://soundcloud.com/nextgenna/healing-through-grief-joanna-laws-landis
    Ysaye Barnwell:
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/a-serendipitous-life-ysaye-barnwell-and-the-healing-power-of-music/2015/05/01/718db920-e52e-11e4-905f-cc896d379a32_story.html
    "I’m Yours" by Tracy Chapman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LdCazk77D4
    "The Long Way Around" by The Chicks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5HKLteH9Mc
    Molly Hartwell & Laura Boswell - Wellspring album: https://wellspring.bandcamp.com/album/wellspring
    Put Your Roots Down: https://riseupandsing.org/songs/put-your-roots-down
    Put Your Roots Down on A Breath of Song:     https://www.abreathofsong.com/episodes--show-notes/2-put-your-roots-down
    ​
    Te's Links:
    ​    EP, "Water & Bones": https://temartin.bandcamp.com/album/water-bones
    "May This Body Be a Bridge" Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Mn_2BSNAg
    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/temartin
    Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/1debadd3ebb3/sos 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/te.martin/

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:04:52
    Start time of reprise: 01:00:19
    ​​
    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, 3 layer

    ​Join the A Breath of Song mailing list 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!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!​
  • Published on

    119. I Let Go

    4:4 Accept Be Present Belonging Breathe Calm Cycles Flow Gentle Grow Harmony Heal Home Journey Motion Peace Release Rest Safe Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Call & Response Song Form: Echo Tend Trust
    Song: I Let Go
    Music: Te Martin

    ​Lyrics:

    I let go
    I lay down
    I release
    Return again


    Picture
    ​Notes: Te Martin describes this song as an exhale... I experience it like that, too... a relaxation, a release. It's so very welcome to me as I'm coming into a busy time of life, with lots of commitments lined up -- I need ways to let go quickly, in the middle of all the flurry. Having this song in my mind lets me do that... and if I happen to be with someone else who's willing to sing, it's so easy to echo it back to each other. Next week is a songwriter conversation with Te... bicycles, miso, and the natural world all come into play!

    Songwriter Info: Te Martin is a song-keeper and ritual artist. They were born on Ramaytush Ohlone land in San Francisco and have been shaped by Ocean, Redwoods, circus arts, and theater games. They facilitate oral tradition singing classes and workshops that focus on song as a tool for collective liberation, somatic regulation, and ancestral connection. Te served as co-organizer of Thrive Street Choir in the San Francisco bay area for six years, is a student of Gaelic song, and released their first professional music video and EP of original songs, "Water & Bones," in 2021.

    ​Sharing Info: Yes -- The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Te for recording and/or performing permission

    Links: 
    EP, "Water & Bones": https://temartin.bandcamp.com/album/water-bones
    "May This Body Be a Bridge" Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Mn_2BSNAg
    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/temartin
    Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/1debadd3ebb3/sos 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/te.martin/

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:53
    Start time of reprise: 00:12:10
    ​​
    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, call & response

    ​Join the A Breath of Song mailing list 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!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!​