Singing together is a unique opportunity to connect with one another and to experience the creation of harmony, of shared purpose and beauty. Brother David Steindl-Rast, in his book Music of Silence, expressed this well: “Chant is a folk art: Its imperfection is part of its perfection. It accommodates all kinds of voices and vocal skills … A remarkable transcendent beauty is generated when ordinary people, with their shortcomings, give themselves to chant.”
For four weeks we will sing together chants from many spiritual paths, from protest marches, from family and community gatherings. All the chants will be taught by ear. No skill in reading music is required. A chant is different from other forms of song; the lyrics are short, the melodies are repetitive. What makes a chant move us to contemplation, shared purpose, group action, to harmony? We will explore that question and create some chants together.
In addition, we will discuss readings from musicians, physicists and psychologists about what happens when we join our voices together in chant.
Instructor Susan Borg has been performing as a singer, teaching singing and directing choral groups for more than 50 years. As a member of the World Music a cappella group WomenSing, she enjoyed exploring the songs and cultures of our vast human family. Susan is currently the Choir Director at Midcoast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Damariscotta.