Circle Song, is a group activity that draws from drumming circles and African vocal tradition, as well as meditative practice, choral practice, and group improvisation.  It is a relative of, and draws from Drum Café.  It has the practical advantage that no instruments or equipment are needed other than the group exploring and a space to sit, stand or even lay in a circle.

How does it work?

A group (as small as 4-5, as large as 20-30) stands/sits in a circle and a facilitator walks them through a basic musical quest, starting with just one phrase – then building – as the facilitator asks each individual to contribute to a simple musical creation that builds as loops combine into simple patterns with each individual giving their own sound, clap, phrase, or melodic element to the whole. NOTE: this can be done anywhere - indoors, outdoors, on-mic, in a lecture hall, or in your conference room.  

As the CircleSong takes the 'temperature' of the room, it connect participants in a powerful experience of synergy regardless of individual musical ability or talent.

What is it meant to do?  

• Serve as an initial means of grounding and calming the group, and focus away from distractions.

• Allow the group to experience a lived metaphor for the synergies possible in the room.  

• Reflect an artful representation of the system in the room; its communicative intent and structures.

• Encourage each individual to listen to the whole as they perceive the impact of their own musical contribution to the composition of the whole.

3 Rules of Engagement:

1.  LISTEN!

2.  L E A V E   S P A C E   F O R   O T H E R’ S   I D E A S !!

3.  LISTEN!

This exercise, when you let it, can create:

• A powerful experience of synergy

• A tangible expression of the 'temperature' in the room

• Increased cooperation and awareness

• Deep listening to self and others simultaneously

• Enriched communication and openness to new concepts in the absence of words

• Energized engagement