Our event was a sound bath and group vocal exploration for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Charlie Gates and I chose a beautiful space with vibrant acoustics, picked up snacks, hauled in a large amoutn of instruments and sound gear, and welcomed 30 people (the free event sold out in 1 day!) into 2 hours of rest. We shared facilitation duties, leading the group in movement and vocal improvisation. Everyone was surprised by the stretching of time – 30 minutes of vocal improvisation felt much shorter than that!
Then, the participants got to rest while Charlie and I used all our instruments (both acoustic and electronic) to take them on a sonic journey. Blending our own singing voices, two vocal loopers, singing bowls, chimes, guitar, synth, and field recordings (birds, water), we expressed a journey from the vast solar system all the way down to the roots of a tree. This workshop was supported by our combined training in Expressive Arts Therapy, Deep Listening, Somatic practice, and music.
Participants left feeling much more calm, and expressed delight and amazement. It was such a pleasure to be able to offer our community a restful and nurturing experience that also equipped them with some creative tools to take into the rest of their lives. With the poly-crises we face, building resilience through community, vocal expression, and deep rest helped Charlie and I feel purposeful and connected.
Thank you, NSG, for funding this project!
