CircleSongs


	What is a CircleSong? The term CircleSong was coined by the innovative, improvisational singer Bobby McFerrin as a way to explain his process of community singing, a tradition of several indigenous cultures around the world. Singers stand in a circle with one person (aka the “conductor” and “composer”) in the middle who leads the singers in a song, introducing different motifs or musical phrases to each singing section. This person can then sing a solo in the middle of the circle and/or invite others into the circle to sing solos. CircleSongs are all spontaneous and improvised, meaning they are not rehearsed or planned ahead of time. They are born out of in-the-moment inspiration and imagination. CircleSongs provide rich opportunities to: Express yourself creatively Break down social barriers (language, culture, etc.) Strengthen connection to yourself Foster cooperation, teamwork, and community Support yourself and others in creative, uninhibited expression Promote self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment About Krylyn’s CircleSong Journey I wrote my first song at age 8 and by age 14 was composing fully arranged songs. Songwriting became my “drug of choice” as a teenager and has been a significant form of self discovery, self expression, self care, and FUN for me ever since. In the 1980’s, I stumbled upon the most unique vocalist I’d ever heard – Bobby McFerrin – who used his voice (and body) as an instrument. His vocal ability left me in awe and inspired me to begin a journey of more creativity and improvisation in my own songwriting. Watch a video of one of the first songs I heard him perform… Once I heard samples of his CircleSongs (listen to one of my favorites below), I fell more in love with improvisational songwriting. And once I found out he was teaching his CircleSong method to others, I was determined to be a part of it. Krylyn and Bobby McFerrin September 2011 In August 2011, I traveled to New York, braving Hurricane Irene, tropical storms, and flooding, to study improvisational singing techniques with the great Bobby McFerrin and his team of faculty from around the country: Joey Blake, Judi Donaghy, Christiane Karam, Rhiannon, and David Worm. With Bobby’s blessing, I am committed to bringing the CircleSong process to my local community. Here are two CircleSongs I got to lead while studying in New York. CircleSongs Phoenix CircleSongs will begin in February 2012 in the Phoenix metro (Arizona) area facilitated by yours truly. The exact location and times are to be determined. To get the most updated information about upcoming CircleSongs in Phoenix, please join my email list by entering your name and email address below. As a bonus, you will get instant access to a FREE breathing meditation (the perfect warm-up for a CircleSong session to get you grounded, centered, and in the present moment). Other CircleSong Groups If you live in another part of the U.S. or world, please see the list of CircleSong groups facilitated by others who trained with Mr. McFerrin.

What is a CircleSong?

The term CircleSong was coined by the innovative, improvisational singer Bobby McFerrin as a way to explain his process of community singing, a tradition of several indigenous cultures around the world. Singers stand in a circle with one person (aka the “conductor” and “composer”) in the middle who leads the singers in a song, introducing different motifs or musical phrases to each singing section. This person can then sing a solo in the middle of the circle and/or invite others into the circle to sing solos. CircleSongs are all spontaneous and improvised, meaning they are not rehearsed or planned ahead of time. They are born out of in-the-moment inspiration and imagination.

CircleSongs provide rich opportunities to:

Express yourself creatively
Break down social barriers (language, culture, etc.)
Strengthen connection to yourself
Foster cooperation, teamwork, and community
Support yourself and others in creative, uninhibited expression
Promote self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment

About Krylyn’s CircleSong Journey

I wrote my first song at age 8 and by age 14 was composing fully arranged songs. Songwriting became my “drug of choice” as a teenager and has been a significant form of self discovery, self expression, self care, and FUN for me ever since.

In the 1980’s, I stumbled upon the most unique vocalist I’d ever heard – Bobby McFerrin – who used his voice (and body) as an instrument. His vocal ability left me in awe and inspired me to begin a journey of more creativity and improvisation in my own songwriting. Watch a video of one of the first songs I heard him perform…

Once I heard samples of his CircleSongs (listen to one of my favorites below), I fell more in love with improvisational songwriting. And once I found out he was teaching his CircleSong method to others, I was determined to be a part of it.

Krylyn and Bobby McFerrin September 2011

In August 2011, I traveled to New York, braving Hurricane Irene, tropical storms, and flooding, to study improvisational singing techniques with the great Bobby McFerrin and his team of faculty from around the country: Joey Blake, Judi Donaghy, Christiane Karam, Rhiannon, and David Worm. With Bobby’s blessing, I am committed to bringing the CircleSong process to my local community. Here are two CircleSongs I got to lead while studying in New York.

CircleSongs Phoenix

CircleSongs will begin in February 2012 in the Phoenix metro (Arizona) area facilitated by yours truly. The exact location and times are to be determined. To get the most updated information about upcoming CircleSongs in Phoenix, please join my email list by entering your name and email address below. As a bonus, you will get instant access to a FREE breathing meditation (the perfect warm-up for a CircleSong session to get you grounded, centered, and in the present moment).

Other CircleSong Groups

If you live in another part of the U.S. or world, please see the list of CircleSong groups facilitated by others who trained with Mr. McFerrin.