Music
Cascadia Song Rise is a gathering of people who love to sing! We will nourish ourselves through collective song, harmony, and connection. Cascadia Song Rise is aimed primarily at sharing music with multiple vocal lines, sung a capella (without instruments) or with instruments in supporting rather than central roles. The music is participatory, not performance-oriented.
Amplified or electric music will not be present. Acoustic instruments are welcome if played at levels that support rather than overpower human voices. While there may be informal music jams with instruments, mainly we will be focusing on singing.
Songs will be primarily taught through oral tradition; sheet music is rare.
Singers at any level of experience are invited, including no experience at all! We expect to create a supportive space regardless of proficiency or self-confidence. As one of our influences, the Ubuntu Choirs Network, says, “In close proximity to stronger voices, a novice voice naturally grows in strength and beauty.”
Community
We are so looking forward to singing together! We hope this event will lead to lasting connections beyond the weekend. We ask participants to take responsibility for your part in the whole, whether that’s by keeping your voice to a whisper level near tents with sleeping campers, being kind to someone who’s upset, showing up on time to your service commitments, or countless other behaviors that honor collective well-being.
We are committed to creating an environment that is respectful toward all participants, regardless of status level (e.g., song leader vs. participants), age (kid or elders), ethnic heritage, sex or gender identity, spiritual or religious path, song lineage, or any of the other myriad factors that unify and distinguish us. We expect to have a response/support team available to assist in the event of any problems or conflicts.
According to the Law of Two Feet from Open Space, everyone is welcome to come and go from song circles and other sessions as they feel moved. It’s fine to sample different offerings, you are not obligated to stay at any particular session.
We are so looking forward to joining in song and creating community together! Thank you for participating. We hope this event will lead to lasting connections beyond the weekend.
