TEDx Talks - How to sing together for deeper connection | Maggie Wheeler & Arnae Batson | TEDxManhattanBeach
Maggie Wheeler and Arne Batson demonstrate the power of singing together to create connections. They share their 40-year friendship, which began in a singing workshop, to illustrate how singing can bond people. They emphasize that everyone, regardless of musical background, belongs in a singing group. The session involves a call-and-response song, 'We Will Gather,' which is simple and fun, designed to quickly build kinship among participants. The activity includes physical movement and breathing exercises to engage participants fully. The goal is to show how singing together can lead to lifelong friendships and a sense of community.
Key Points:
- Singing together can create strong bonds and friendships.
- Everyone is welcome to participate in singing, regardless of musical experience.
- Call-and-response songs are effective in building quick connections.
- Physical movement and breathing exercises enhance engagement.
- Singing can lead to lifelong friendships and community building.
Details:
1. 🎤 The Power of Singing Together
- Singing together fosters powerful connections and a sense of community, as demonstrated by Maggie Wheeler and Arne Batson's 40-year friendship initiated through a singing workshop.
- These workshops are inclusive, welcoming individuals regardless of their musical background, which encourages a diverse range of participants to connect through music.
- The song 'We Will Gather' by Maggie Wheeler is specifically designed to promote fast bonding and kinship among participants, highlighting music's ability to unite people quickly.
- Singing workshops often lead to lifelong connections, with many participants meeting new people and forming lasting friendships.
- Beyond social connections, singing together has emotional and psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and fostering a sense of belonging and joy among participants.
2. 🎶 Preparing to Sing: Warm-Up and Breathing Exercises
- The session begins with a call-and-response singing exercise where one person sings a line, and the group responds, ensuring engagement and attention.
- Participants are encouraged to stand up and physically shake their bodies to release tension, which can improve vocal performance by relaxing the muscles.
- A specific sequence for shaking hands is given: shake hands by your knees, in front of you, and above your head, promoting full body engagement.
- A visualization technique is used where participants gather sound from the earth and throw it into the sky, which enhances vocal projection and mental focus.
- The warm-up concludes with a breathing exercise: inhale, hold, then release with vocalized 'ah' and 'oh' sounds, which helps to regulate breathing and prepare the vocal cords for singing.