What we’re about
Circlesinging is a spontaneous, improvisational community-singing experience, a little bit like a "drum circle" for singers. It's done all over the world in countless different ways and it dates back to the earliest forms of human singing. We take inspiration from methods developed by Bobby McFerrin and his collaborators. Our experienced circlesong leaders create parts on-the-spot, and lead groups in fun wordless songs. Sing beautiful harmonies without sheet music; promote self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment; and, many circlesingers find that it fosters cooperation, teamwork, and community. It's important to listen deeply -- to each other and to ourselves -- and to be responsive to what is there. This is a "mistake-free" zone, for all levels of singers. Come sing with us!
If you are still curious about Circlesinging and the creative process VoiceExchange utilizes you can listen to a recent interview on Patricia Norton's Podcast 'A Breath of Song' A Breath of Song Interview
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Circlesinging Workshop: Discover Your Musical VoiceTwinbrook Community Recreation Center, Rockville, MDUSD 20.00
Circlesinging Workshop: Discover Your Musical Voice (90 minutes)
Register here! https://www.jotform.com/251875930007155Join members of VoiceExchange on August 10 for an introduction to the art of collaborative vocal improvisation. In this 90-minute workshop, we'll explore the captivating practice of circlesinging—where voices intertwine to create spontaneous, layered musical landscapes without instruments, written music, or rehearsal.
The Workshop Experience
Standing together in a circle, you'll discover your innate capacity to create music with nothing but your voice. We'll guide you through foundational techniques for developing simple musical patterns that blend with others, creating beautiful moments of shared sound. Through focused instruction and guided practice, you'll experience the unique joy of co-creating improvised vocal music.This workshop draws from practices developed by Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, and Música do Círculo, introducing you to the essential elements that make collaborative vocal improvisation both accessible and deeply rewarding.
What You'll Learn
- Basic techniques to unlock your personal capacity for musical invention
- How to create simple looped musical ideas that combine with others
- Foundational skills including listening techniques and basic vocal layering
Who Should Attend
This workshop welcomes anyone comfortable with their singing voice—particularly those who've found themselves naturally harmonizing with songs on the radio or humming improvised melodies. No formal music training or ability to read sheet music required—just bring your curiosity and willingness to explore.What You'll Take Away
- First Steps in Musical Discovery: Begin to uncover your unique musical voice and capacity for spontaneous creation
- Taste of Community Creation: Experience the connection that forms when voices unite in collaborative musical conversation
- Introduction to Mindful Listening: Practice attentive listening and responding through sound
Workshop Details
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Time: 1:30-3:00 PM
Location: Twinbrook Community Recreation Center (Multi-purpose Room) 12920 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20851
Parking: Available in lot outside the building
Register here! https://www.jotform.com/251875930007155
Presented by members of VoiceExchange, a vocal improvisation ensemble dedicated to exploring and sharing the joy of collaborative vocal creation.
Contact: circlesinging.maryland@gmail.com - Circlesinging Together ** NEW LOCATION ** Twinbrook Community Recreation Ctr **Twinbrook Community Center, Rockville, MD
NEW LOCATION! For July and August, we are meeting in person at Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, Rockville!
***
The community-singing event where where everything's made up and the point — to sing for our lives — matters.Our leaders will teach you parts to sing for spontaneously-composed choral pieces. We play a variety of listening/music/singing games, and create safe opportunities for participants to improvise as little or as much as they might like.
Good for all skill levels, shower-singers to seasoned pros, no sheet-music-reading required.
***
We usually meet on the second Sunday of the month, and will continue to meet in-person as long as it makes sense. We encourage and provide masks.We will also plan on continuing our Zoom circles from time to time. So please check the day before/day of the meetup each month to confirm date & details.
This world needs more song; join in the fun, and be the music you want to hear in the world.
Hope to see you there!
~~~~~~~~~~
L❤️ving this? Donate! : )
Your donations help keep our mission alive!
We love doing this with you. Thank you to all who support us.Suggested donation is $15-20. Please include "VX" in the memo/notes!
Via paypal: ParisKern@comcast.net
Via Venmo: @Pariskern
Check? Email: ParisKern@comcast.netIMAGE RIGHTS: We may take pictures and record videos of our in-person events, and record our Zoom meetings online. This material will be available for us to use to publicize upcoming circles and workshops and performances. By attending our events, you are agreeing with the image rights agreement.
~~
This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org).
~~ - Circlesinging Together ** Location to be Announced **TBA, Rockville, MD
We are meeting in person at a location to be announced in Rockville, MD...
***
The community-singing event where where everything's made up and the point — to sing for our lives — matters.Our leaders will teach you parts to sing for spontaneously-composed choral pieces. We play a variety of listening/music/singing games, and create safe opportunities for participants to improvise as little or as much as they might like.
Good for all skill levels, shower-singers to seasoned pros, no sheet-music-reading required.
***
We usually meet on the second Sunday of the month, and will continue to meet in-person as long as it makes sense. We encourage and provide masks.We will also plan on continuing our Zoom circles from time to time. So please check the day before/day of the meetup each month to confirm date & details.
This world needs more song; join in the fun, and be the music you want to hear in the world.
Hope to see you there!
~~~~~~~~~~
L❤️ving this? Donate! : )
Your donations help keep our mission alive!
We love doing this with you. Thank you to all who support us.Suggested donation is $15-20. Please include "VX" in the memo/notes!
Via paypal: ParisKern@comcast.net
Via Venmo: @Pariskern
Check? Email: ParisKern@comcast.netIMAGE RIGHTS: We may take pictures and record videos of our in-person events, and record our Zoom meetings online. This material will be available for us to use to publicize upcoming circles and workshops and performances. By attending our events, you are agreeing with the image rights agreement.
~~
This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org).
~~ - Circlesinging Together ** Location to be Announced **TBA, Rockville, MD
We are meeting in person at a location to be announced in Rockville, MD...
***
The community-singing event where where everything's made up and the point — to sing for our lives — matters.Our leaders will teach you parts to sing for spontaneously-composed choral pieces. We play a variety of listening/music/singing games, and create safe opportunities for participants to improvise as little or as much as they might like.
Good for all skill levels, shower-singers to seasoned pros, no sheet-music-reading required.
***
We usually meet on the second Sunday of the month, and will continue to meet in-person as long as it makes sense. We encourage and provide masks.We will also plan on continuing our Zoom circles from time to time. So please check the day before/day of the meetup each month to confirm date & details.
This world needs more song; join in the fun, and be the music you want to hear in the world.
Hope to see you there!
~~~~~~~~~~
L❤️ving this? Donate! : )
Your donations help keep our mission alive!
We love doing this with you. Thank you to all who support us.Suggested donation is $15-20. Please include "VX" in the memo/notes!
Via paypal: ParisKern@comcast.net
Via Venmo: @Pariskern
Check? Email: ParisKern@comcast.netIMAGE RIGHTS: We may take pictures and record videos of our in-person events, and record our Zoom meetings online. This material will be available for us to use to publicize upcoming circles and workshops and performances. By attending our events, you are agreeing with the image rights agreement.
~~
This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org).
~~
