COMING EVENTS
Nov 17th: Sol y Canto house concert
in South Burlington
in South Burlington
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Where: South Burlington home (address given upon reserving your place) When: Sunday, November 17th, doors open at 2:30, music from 3-5 pm Cost: $15-40 donation requested; advance payment preferred, although cash will be accepted at the door. What: The jazz-tinged Latin music trio with a social conscience, Sol y Canto, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year (!) is paying us a visit. Do you know them? Founders Rosi (from Puerto Rico/Argentina) and Brian Amador (New Mexico) will be joined by trio member cellist/singer Queralt Giralt from Catalunya Spain for an exquisite afternoon featuring Spanish guitar, cello, percussion and lush three-part harmony vocals. Check out their website, www.solycanto.com if you'd like to see or hear more of them. Get ready to sing along and maybe even dance along. But that's not all! There will be some amazing special guests as well. Members of the Backyard Collective (BYC,) a vocal improvisation group that is based in Boston, is joining the party to share some of their wondrous made-in-the moment songs with us all. AND they will be joined by local guests, some of whom you may know (and if not you'll be so glad to hear them!) - vocal improvisation/circle singers David Ruffin, Jody Albright, Patricia Norton, and Moira Smiley will be the BYC's special guests! Audience participation is not mandatory but is highly intoxicating, so come prepared to join in on some spontaneously invented music. |
Sol y Canto has been described by the Boston Globe as "Boston's beloved Pan-Latin music ambassadors" and have just released a new album on September 20th marking the occasion. Their NPR Tiny Desk video submission earned them a special mention in the Tiny Desk newsletter. |
PAST EVENTS
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Where: Weybridge Congregational Church, Weybridge, VT When: Sunday, May 5th, 3:30-5 pm Cost: The workshop is free, but contributions for possible future workshops will be collected. What: Patricia will design a workshop that responds to the desires of participants, drawing upon vocal technique tips, songs, and spontaneous music making that connects you with your self and the group. All folks age 12 and up are welcome and you needn’t pre-register, but, if you know you are planning to come, please consider sending an RSVP email to Pastor Carynne Eskridge at [email protected]. |
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Where: Heineberg Community Senior Center When: Sunday, May 19th, 12-4 pm Cost: Free and open to flow singers, their friends and family, and those who are curious. What: A combination of potluck and big sing, we'll share food (and there'll be extra, so don't let not having time to prep something stop you) and lots of singing. Flow Singing has been going on since September '23 -- and this is a chance to celebrate our first year, meeting people who you may not have crossed months with yet, and getting to know each other better! If you haven't been able to make it yet, come get to know us... and spend a sweet spring day singing! |
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Where: Upper Valley Music Center, Lebanon NH
When: Friday, March 22nd, 5:30-7:30 pm Cost: $20 What: Patricia shares songs for soothing, energizing, strengthening, digging ever deeper for resilience. No experience needed, all experience welcome. Taught by ear with harmonies or bass lines or percussion added... All ages are welcome! If you are bringing children under age 14, please contact us in advance. Minimum 12/maximum 25 participants. |
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Where: Rabble Rouser in Montpelier When: Wednesday, Feb 21st, 7-9 p.m. Cost: $20-30, Venmo or cash Pre-Registration required: please email [email protected] directly with your request What: David Ruffin and Patricia will invite us into group vocal improvisations, often called "Circle Singing," through different structures and games. We draw largely from Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon's "Vocal River," and Zuza Gonçalves' "Musica do Circulo," among other international teachers. These structures give us different ways to practice improvisation skills and make beautiful, fun, magical, spontaneous music together. Our previous offerings in Montpelier have brought great folks together for a lot of fun and sweet music. Wonderfully, it has been filling up -- there are so many of us who love this kind of music-making! We are keeping the group small (16), so there is an intimacy and space for each person... which last time meant a wait list. We accept people in the order that you sign up, and if we are full, we will email for confirmation that you are still able to come. Most times, we are able to include some people from the wait list. We cater the experience to whoever comes, in terms of the amount of introductory framing, but we very much want both folks who are new to this practice and folks with experience to feel welcome. That said, we intentionally invite singers who either do have some experience with improvisation or who we know and believe have the skills to enjoy the experience. This particular circle is not ideal for true beginning singers/musicians who may find it difficult to hold a part, but we are hoping to build capacity to hold circles inclusive of all singers soon. Limited to 16 attendees |
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Where: The Unitarian Church in Montpelier When: Monday, January 15th, 7-9 p.m. Cost: $20-30, cash or venmo on site Pre-Registration required: please email [email protected] directly with your request What: David Ruffin and Patricia will invite us into group vocal improvisations, often called "Circle Singing," through different structures and games. We draw largely from Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon's "Vocal River," and Zuza Gonçalves' "Musica do Circulo," among other international teachers. These structures give us different ways to practice improvisation skills and make beautiful, fun, magical, spontaneous music together. We will cater the experience to whoever comes, in terms of the amount of introductory framing, but we very much want both folks who are new to this practice and folks with experience to feel welcome. That said, we are intentionally inviting singers who either do have some experience with improvisation or who we know and believe have the skills to enjoy the experience. This particular circle is not ideal for true beginning singers/musicians who may find it difficult to hold a part, but we are hoping to build capacity to hold circles inclusive of all singers soon. Limited to 16 attendees |
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Where: The Everything Space, 64 Main St 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05602 When: Monday, December 4th, 7-9 p.m. Cost: $15-25, cash or venmo on site Pre-Registration required: please email [email protected] directly with your request What: David Ruffin and Patricia will invite us into group vocal improvisations, often called "Circle Singing," through different structures and games. We draw largely from Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon's "Vocal River," and Zuza Gonçalves' "Musica do Circulo," among other international teachers. These structures give us different ways to practice improvisation skills and make beautiful, fun, magical, spontaneous music together. We will cater the experience to whoever comes, in terms of the amount of introductory framing, but we very much want both folks who are new to this practice and folks with experience to feel welcome. That said, we are intentionally inviting singers who either do have some experience with improvisation or who we know and believe have the skills to enjoy the experience. This particular circle is not ideal for true beginning singers/musicians who may find it difficult to hold a part, but we are hoping to build capacity to hold circles inclusive of all singers soon. Limited to 16 attendees Access needs: The Everything Space is on the 3rd floor with steep stairs; we are looking for a more accessible space in Montpelier -- if you know of one, please let us know! |
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Where: Upper Valley Music Center, Lebanon NH
When: Friday, November 3rd, 5:30-7:30 pm Cost: $20 What: Patricia shares songs for soothing, energizing, strengthening, digging ever deeper for resilience. No experience needed, all experience welcome. Taught by ear with harmonies or bass lines or percussion added... All ages are welcome! If you are bringing children under age 14, please contact us in advance. Minimum 12/maximum 25 participants. |
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Where: online
When: Monday, October 2nd, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Eastern Cost: $20 suggested donation What: Sing your grief, gratitude, prayer, and praise within the safe container of a women's circle. Learn heart-opening songs for the journey. Feel fortified, connected, and uplifted. Let's feel the power of our global community! Barbara, Patricia, and Heather offer you powerful songs for these transformational times we are living in. We'll dive into vocal meditation and collective prayer, mantra, heart-opening songs, soulful songs, fun songs, and songs that invite us to dance! Please bring an item for the altar and a candle to light. Have your shakers, drums, guitars, chimes, and shruti boxes at the ready. |
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Where: The Everything Space, 64 Main St 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05602 When: Monday, September 18th, 7-9 p.m. Cost: $15-25, cash or venmo on site Pre-Registration required: please email [email protected] directly with your request What: David Ruffin and Patricia will invite us into group vocal improvisations, often called "Circle Singing," through different structures and games. We draw largely from Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon's "Vocal River," and Zuza Gonçalves' "Musica do Circulo," among other international teachers. These structures give us different ways to practice improvisation skills and make beautiful, fun, magical, spontaneous music together. We will cater the experience to whoever comes, in terms of the amount of introductory framing, but we very much want both folks who are new to this practice and folks with experience to feel welcome. That said, we are intentionally inviting singers who either do have some experience with improvisation or who we know and believe have the skills to enjoy the experience. This particular circle is not ideal for true beginning singers/musicians who may find it difficult to hold a part, but we are hoping to build capacity to hold circles inclusive of all singers soon. Limited to 16 attendees Access needs: The Everything Space is on the 3rd floor with steep stairs; we are looking for a more accessible space in Montpelier -- if you know of one, please let us know! |
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Where: Cold Hollow Sculpture Park, 4280 Boston Post Road, Enosburg Falls, VT When: Saturday, September 9th, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: $25 Registration: click here for the first step of a two-part registration process What: A three hour circlesinging workshop invites people of all experiences and levels to participate in collective sound making inspired by one’s surroundings. As a group, it’s a way of accepting the present moment - a moment of creating something new and fleeting together. Patricia will offer an energizing workshop in the Park, where together we will engage our bodies and the environment that surrounds us to find inspiration and resonant sound within the sculpture. Limited to 25 attendees How: Enjoy a beautiful fall trip to this amazing sculpture park. Pack a picnic lunch, and arrive early enough to allow time to park, check in at the Welcome Barn, then walk up to meet Patricia in the sculpture cluster outside of the studio. Patricia will introduce circlesinging and we'll start exploring this art form. At 12:30, we'll break for a quick lunch, then sing again, possibly moving into the larger park area. Rain plan: Absolutely! We have an indoor space with sculptures, so we can flex with the weather. Access needs: If you have access needs we can help you meet to be comfortable at this workshop, please let Patricia know directly when you register. |
Catch the Wave!
Summer Samplers of Flow Singing
Summer Samplers of Flow Singing
Cost: free Registration: none When: Three Tuesdays at 11:30 am: June 27, August 8 & 22 Three Thursdays at 7:30 pm: June 29, August 10 & 24. What: A summer sampler of singing: we'll explore flow singing, a practice of presence and connection through song. Open to all voices willing to listen in. Start with an hour of singing, then there's time for questions. |
Tuesdays 11:30 am at the quirky retro Heineberg Community Senior Center
Thursdays 7:30 pm in Leddy Park between the ice arena & beach
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August 5th, '23: Song Circle at Upper Valley Music Center
with special guest Carol Bardenstein
with special guest Carol Bardenstein
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Where: First Congregational Church in Lebanon, Lebanon, NH
When: Saturday, August 5th, 12:30-2:30 pm Cost: $20 Registration: https://uvmusic.org/event/community-song-circle-with-patricia-norton-and-carol-bardenstein What: Songs for soothing, energizing, strengthening, digging ever deeper for resilience. No experience needed, all experience welcome. How: Carol and Patricia share songs they love with you. Taught by ear with harmonies or bass lines or percussion added... |
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February 18th, '23: Celebrating 25,000 Downloads
A Breath of Song will be recorded LIVE!
Join us by clicking here
A Breath of Song will be recorded LIVE!
Join us by clicking here
December 21, '22: Simple Solstice Sing
All songs shared from scratch, no experience necessary;
all ages & sorts welcome!
All songs shared from scratch, no experience necessary;
all ages & sorts welcome!
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Where: Burlington Earth Clock along the bike path on the north edge of Oakledge Park When: Wednesday, December 21st, 4:00 p.m.-ish Cost: free Registration: None -- simply show up -- we'll be walking up from the parking lot at about 3:50 p.m. Covid care: We're outdoors; masks at your discretion. What: Simple songs related to the balance of dark and light: probably "Jewels" by Barbara McAfee, "Galileo's Epitaph" (music by F.J. Haydn), and if we have energy, "Shadows and Light" by Heather Houston. How: I'll teach the songs gently such that everyone is comfortable... all songs taught by ear, all voices, ages, and abilities welcome. If you know a great dark/light song, I'd love to learn it from you! |
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October 9, 16 & 23, '22: Three October Sunday Sings
All songs shared from scratch, no experience necessary;
all ages & sorts welcome!
All songs shared from scratch, no experience necessary;
all ages & sorts welcome!
Looks like a perfect day to snuggle into some song...
we're ON for Oct 23rd!
we're ON for Oct 23rd!
Where: Leddy Park: under the trees between the Ice Arena and Leddy Beach.
When: Sunday, October 9, 16 & 23, 10-11:00 a.m.
Cost: free; donations accepted
Registration: None -- simply show up -- we'll begin gathering at 9:45 a.m.
Covid care: You'll be singing with me outdoors. Masks are optional; there is plenty of space to stand at your own distancing comfort levels.
What: Pocket songs and spell songs -- musical resources of connection, awareness, and play -- sung by the people who are present.
How: I'll teach the songs gently such that everyone is comfortable... all songs taught by ear, all voices, ages, and abilities welcome.
More: This is weather-dependent; if you'd like to receive an email to confirm on Sunday morning, scroll down to the bottom of the page and add yourself to the mailing list! I'll also post confirmation on this page... basically, if you need an umbrella, we'll cancel; if you need mittens & coat, we're on!
General Covid care: During the summer most of my offerings will be outdoors, in the most resonant space available. Masks will be optional and not shamed; I will not be wearing one outdoors. I am fully vaxxed and boosted. I will cancel if I am symptomatic or have a positive test; I will test if I have a confirmed exposure during the 10 days preceding the event. I ask that everyone attending also care tenderly for the group's sense of well-being. Singing unmasked spreads; singing with well-fitted N-95 equivalent masks appears to normalize the risk level.
August 24th, '22 Choral Arts Summer Sing
an original songcycle
an original songcycle
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Where: Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA. First Congregational Church, on the green. When: Wednesday, August 24th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: by donation Registration: None -- simply show up! Covid care: The building currently requires masking. Please check here before the session for current COVID protocols. What: Seven songs from the oral community singing movement arranged and sequenced into an accompanied SATB choral work easily accessible to sightreaders. How: Brenda Chien will accompany, and I will direct first learning the piece, then singing through it for the full experience. More: visit the CAFUV website to learn more about the entire set of summer sings sponsored by the Choral Arts Foundation of the Upper Valley. |
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If you'd like to listen to the songs ahead, here they are. Know that I'll be tweaking things in the arrangement, and there will be some additional, more complicated parts, but if you've heard these and can sing along with them, learning the song cycle will feel very manageable.
Mourning Dove by Wendy Luella Perkins (this is my personal recording; Wendy Luella hasn't released this yet)
To Listen is to Lean In Softly by Ian Carrick (Ian's own recording)
The Children's Song by Heather Pierson (Heather's own recording)
Pray with Our Feet by Paul Vasile (Paul's recording; we'll be singing this faster in this arrangement...)
Heart Wide Open by Lea Morris (Lea's own recording)
Ocean of Breath by me (my podcast recording)
Hope Lingers On by Lissa Schneckenburger (the video of her band, Low Lily, is on this page... we'll be singing this one a little more slowly in this arrangement!)
Would you like to see a pdf beforehand of the DRAFT score? (draft... still refining...) email [email protected] to request one. Probably I'll be on draft #8 by the time we sing, but that's okay... the Choral Arts Foundation is generously printing copies of the score for singers, so on the evening of the premiere, everyone will have an up-to-date copy provided.
Mourning Dove by Wendy Luella Perkins (this is my personal recording; Wendy Luella hasn't released this yet)
To Listen is to Lean In Softly by Ian Carrick (Ian's own recording)
The Children's Song by Heather Pierson (Heather's own recording)
Pray with Our Feet by Paul Vasile (Paul's recording; we'll be singing this faster in this arrangement...)
Heart Wide Open by Lea Morris (Lea's own recording)
Ocean of Breath by me (my podcast recording)
Hope Lingers On by Lissa Schneckenburger (the video of her band, Low Lily, is on this page... we'll be singing this one a little more slowly in this arrangement!)
Would you like to see a pdf beforehand of the DRAFT score? (draft... still refining...) email [email protected] to request one. Probably I'll be on draft #8 by the time we sing, but that's okay... the Choral Arts Foundation is generously printing copies of the score for singers, so on the evening of the premiere, everyone will have an up-to-date copy provided.
July 31, '22 Vocal Improv Workshop
intense vocal exploration for experienced singers
intense vocal exploration for experienced singers
Where: Leddy Park: the tent between the Ice Arena and Leddy Beach.
When: Sunday, July 31st, 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Cost: free
Registration: Required, by invitation
Covid care: You'll be singing with me outdoors. Masks are optional; there is plenty of space to stand at your own distancing comfort levels.
What: A small group of experienced vocal improvisers making music together, co-facilitated by Joy Truskowski and Patricia Norton
How: Following "tuning-in" time and introductions, participants offer activities exploring a variety of ways to co-create music of the moment. Exercises included Soul-Songs, Shape-Shifting, Traveling Bands, Supported Solos, Fish-on-the-water, Dog/cat greetings, Group Home and Away.
More: There may be a more inclusive participatory element -- stay tuned!
July 2, '22 Soundings
outdoor vocal meditation time
outdoor vocal meditation time
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We are a go! Think wet grass & mosquitoes.... Where: The gazebo area at the Pinnacle in Ethan Allen Park, Burlington, VT When: Saturday, July 2nd, 8:00-9:00 a.m., if it's not storming. Cost: by donation Registration: None -- simply show up! Email notifications: If you'd like an email confirmation that it's happening at 6:00 a.m. on the morning of, or to be notified of future soundings, please send me an email at [email protected]. |
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What: A sounding is a way of measuring into the deep. I will provide gentle guidance to open space for your own exploration of sound, both your own and what develops in the space among us. This will be an ephemeral music making, shaped by the natural surroundings and what each of us brings. Sometimes I call it "acceptance-singing." Hesitant singers are welcome, but I will not be doing vocal coaching/training during these times, beyond holding a welcoming presence and invitation to listen deeply.
How: We are not likely to be a large gathering, so know that your voice will be heard by all and form an integral part of the group sound. As you walk, bike, or run into the park, let yourself begin to let go and loosen. Start to notice how your body feels, moving on the path, listen for the sound of your breath. As you arrive at the Pinnacle area, look and listen for us in the gazebo or surrounding area. Slip yourself into a space that is comfortable for you with as little disturbance to those around you as you can manage. You may wish to bring a pillow or a blanket for sitting on the stone benches or grass; you may be most at ease standing, or you may shift during the hour.
Listen and breathe.
Join the sound first through your ears, letting it flow into your body.
Let your body be fully present.
Let your breath join the group’s breathing, drawn up from the ground and released to the air.
Finally, when you feel bathed and released in the sound, open your throat and listen as your voice joins.
How: We are not likely to be a large gathering, so know that your voice will be heard by all and form an integral part of the group sound. As you walk, bike, or run into the park, let yourself begin to let go and loosen. Start to notice how your body feels, moving on the path, listen for the sound of your breath. As you arrive at the Pinnacle area, look and listen for us in the gazebo or surrounding area. Slip yourself into a space that is comfortable for you with as little disturbance to those around you as you can manage. You may wish to bring a pillow or a blanket for sitting on the stone benches or grass; you may be most at ease standing, or you may shift during the hour.
Listen and breathe.
Join the sound first through your ears, letting it flow into your body.
Let your body be fully present.
Let your breath join the group’s breathing, drawn up from the ground and released to the air.
Finally, when you feel bathed and released in the sound, open your throat and listen as your voice joins.
June 30th, '22 Play with Lea Morris
UVMC Community Sing
UVMC Community Sing
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Where: Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA. CCBA pavilion. (Behind the CCBA center, beside Eldridge Park.) When: Thursday, June 30th, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Cost: $15 Registration: https://uvmusic.org/event/community-sing-with-lea-morris-patricia-norton Covid care: Outdoors, masks welcome, no vaccine checks. We will not lead any activities that pressure you into close proximity. What: Learn more about Lea at thisislea.com and you already know about Patricia... we've been collecting songs for quite a while and are completely delighted to be able to make music together! How: Everything will be taught by ear, all voices are welcome. |
June 21st, '22 Make Music Vermont
community sing in Leddy Park
community sing in Leddy Park
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Where: Leddy Park: the tent between the Ice Arena and Leddy Beach. When: Tuesday, June 21st, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Cost: free Registration: None -- simply show up! Covid care: You'll be singing with me outdoors. Masks are optional; there is plenty of space to stand at your own distancing comfort levels. What: Pocket songs and spell songs -- musical resources of connection, awareness, and play -- sung by the people who are present. How: I'll teach the songs gently such that everyone is comfortable... all songs taught by ear, all voices, ages, and abilities welcome. More: Visit the Make Music VT page to find ways to be involved with music all day on this longest day of the year! |
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June 4th, '22 Pocket Songs in a Pavilion
at the UVMC Sing & Play Festival
at the UVMC Sing & Play Festival
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Where: Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA. CCBA pavilion. (Behind the CCBA center, beside Eldridge Park.) When: Saturday, June 4th, 3-4 p.m. Cost: Free Registration: None -- simply show up! Covid care: Outdoors, masks welcome, no vaccine checks. I will not lead any activities that pressure you into close proximity. What: I've been gathering music and catching songs of my own -- songs for soothing, energizing, strengthening, digging ever deeper for resilience. I'm using these songs myself on a daily basis -- our voices are a fundamental, built-in way of supporting ourselves. Let's use them!!! How: I'll have my looper and mic to back us in singing a sweet mix of songs. Everything will be taught by ear, all voices are welcome. More: Sing & Play Festival (uvmusic.org) |
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