We sit in a circle and begin to sing. No promises -- we're simply here to make music, to be alive, and to see what magic happens. This isn't performance or anxiety. It's saying we don't want to be too busy to live. The music begins to take over. Singing is primal -- open the mouth and pure feelings come out. We become the rhythms; we become the harmonies; the intellect gives way to the heart.
Singing is an act of compassion, of wonder, of creativity. We'll begin with old and new songs, accompanied by stories behind the songs and our own stories. We'll explore the songs of other cultures and other times. We'll sing songs that changed the world -- South African, Jewish, Irish, Latin American, Labor, Civil Rights -- songs of rebellion and songs of compassion. We'll relax and have some fun with our own Rowe Coffee House. Bring a song that's important to you, that puts a smile on your face. We'll end with songs of reflection and thanks, hymns of praise.
Imagine the sound of the most moving choir in the world, then realize it's you and those around you. Imagine that this sound is connected, through senses we might not be aware of, to actions outside ourselves -- indeed, to all Creation.
Play and music arise from the same basic instinct -- to create, to express,
to experiment. All people are born able to make amazing music, and most
cultures have no separation between talented and untalented, between audience
and performer. Marvel at the extraordinary power and beauty of your own
voice joining with many others! Find yourself in the middle of a magnificent,
electrifying, thrilling, humorous, and deeply moving performance. Teenagers
are welcome at half their parent's fee.
Nick Page brings out the magic in others. He can turn any group into a harmonious community of powerful voices, singing songs of wonder and compassion, anger and joy, songs of tremendous power, songs that help define who we are and show us what we can become. A composer, writer, and teacher, Nick leads the two-hundred-strong Mystic Chorale of Boston, and his how-to book on multi-cultural song-leading is Sing and Shine On! The Teachers Guide to Multicultural Song Leading. His energy is amazing; his retreats have been delights. Welcome back!"I have led songs across the country, but singing at Rowe has always been extraordinary. The environment is ripe for letting go, for sharing, giving, being, shining, living in wonder." --Nick Page