Join Pearl Legay-Clarke (withonevoice.co.uk) and Brigite Rowan for a day's singing retreat designed to nourish your creativity, unlock your voice and settle into the place of deep restfulness which the Winter season inspires.
We'll spend some time in a gentle and playful yoga sequence designed to soften our bodies and prepare them for singing, exploring the body as the living instrument to the voice so that we can relax and unlock its creative potential. This will be accessible to all abilities and variations will be provided. We’ll eat nourishing food, get out in nature (weather permitting) and explore the voice through games, songs, harmony and improvised singing.
Pearl and Brigite have been singing together for three years, are members of the Stroud Vocal Improv Collective and the folk band The Crooked Penny. Together we will create an inclusive and encouraging space for singing and vocal exploration. We will teach one or two of our own wintery songs and harmonies as well as guiding you to see what your own creativity and intuitive voice has to offer. Together we will be weaving together our unique professional experiences, as well as tools and exercises from our combined study of Collaborative Vocal Improvisation (CVI), guiding you to discover harmonies, playful rhythms, and gently nurture improvised singing.
This workshop is for anyone wanting to find nourishment and warmth through connective community singing. Beginners as well as experienced singers are totally welcome. We aim to create an inclusive and supportive space for everyone.
What is Collaborative Vocal Improvisation?
CVI is a form of singing together in a group without a predetermined song. Learning to trust our impulses and hone our ears through games designed to play with rhythm, harmony, melody, sounds and words to make music together freely and spontaneously. You will learn to follow your innate musical impulses in a space where everything is welcome and there is no wrong! Our inner-critic can be a powerful force that keeps us from expressing ourselves, and we all have ingrained stories about what makes 'good' singing. What would it be like to release those preconceptions and sing with freedom and to truly express yourself?
About the facilitators:
Pearl is a passionate vocal leader and the driving force behind With One Voice, where she nurtures a thriving community of singers. With a strong love for folk traditions, she creates an inviting space for individuals of all skill levels to explore their voices and connect with the rich tapestry of folk music.
Her workshops emphasise joy, creativity, and connection, allowing participants to discover the magic of singing together. Known for her warm demeanour and inspiring teaching style, Pearl encourages everyone to embrace their unique voice.
She has spent the last few years fully immersed in Collaborative Vocal Improvisation and is passionate about this form of singing as one that empowers others to explore their voices and find joy in music.
Pearls website: www.withonevoice.co.uk
Brigite
I am a folk singer, intuitive voice work practitioner, and Tantric, trauma-informed yoga teacher with experience facilitating embodied nature connection experiences. I have a deep curiosity about the links between trauma, embodiment, vocal expression and the human capacity for living authentically. Inspired by my mother’s professional work and my off-grid childhood in rural Portugal and later Devon, I spent my early life immersed in singing and nature and developed a deep life-long earth-based intuitive singing practice which continues to inform my work today.
A life-threatening accident during my teenage years, led me to discover tools from Yoga which aided my physical, spiritual, and emotional recovery. I embarked on a year-long training in Krama Vinyasa Tantra at Yoga Sara in Bristol and pursued trauma-informed yoga training through the Yoga Roots project. For the last three years, I have been lucky enough to study Collaborative Vocal Improvisation with Briony Greenhill and am currently completing her practitioner training.
My passion for teaching comes from the desire to help others become more present and grounded in themselves so that they can unlock their authentic voice. I have been influenced by my studies in collaborative vocal improvisation, embodied singing, somatics, earth-based animism, nature connection and trauma-informed practices. I am grateful to have learned from inspiring teachers who’s work underpins my teaching.
Practical Information:
Location: We'll gather in the gorgeous Miserden Village Hall.
Dates: Saturday 18th January
Times: 10.00am - 3.30pm.
What to Bring:
Bring a yoga mat/sheepskin, a blanket, a water bottle and anything else you need to make yourself comfortable for floor based practice
Please bring a warm coat and some good boots for walking as we will be going on a lunchtime walk to immerse and sing in the beautiful landscape
Food:
A nourishing and warming vegetarian lunch will be prepared for you to allow you to sink into the restfulness and creativity of the weekend. There will also be tea and cake prepared for break time. Gluten Free and Vegan Diets will be catered for but please do bring anything else you may need to snack on throughout the day.
Cost:
£45 Supporters, £35 General, £25 Low Income
Booking:
Please RSVP and we'll get back to you with booking information.
If cost is a barrier please contact Brigite or Pearl. We will have a limited number of bursary places available.