An Intro to Community Song Circles *NATURE SONGS*

Join us at Next Church in downtown Kingston, Ontario on Saturday, April 6th to experience the joy, and power of singing with others in community. Whether you’re a seasoned songbird or someone who only ever sings in the shower, this event is open to all. As Mary Oliver would say, “You do not have to be good.” Your messy human self is more than enough.

During this 1.5-hour workshop, you will learn between 5 and 8 songs, ranging from playful to enchanting. In the height of summer, we will sing songs to celebrate the abundance of nature. Our gifted space holders and song weavers, Steph and Paul, will teach the songs in repeat-after-me style, making them simple to pick up in just 10 to 20 minutes. Before you know it, we’ll be weaving our voices effortlessly together in exhilarating layers.

Here’s what you can expect during the workshop:

• Opening Song and Check-In: We begin with a grounding song and a chance to connect.
• Brief Warm-Up: We give ourselves the gift of some TLC, simultaneously preparing ourselves to sing.
• Lots of Singing: We dive into the joy and power of group singing, weaving voices together.
• Closing Song and Check-Out: We wrap up with a final tune, leaving you feeling connected, refreshed, and inspired. ♥

There may be tears. There will certainly be laughter. Come prepared for the full range of feelings!

Tea will be provided. ☕

Since ancient times, people have gathered to sing as a way of caring for themselves, each other, and the more-than-human world. Let's reclaim our collective wellness through the practice of community singing. Come find joy, strength, and solace in song with us. 🌟🎶

For more information about Steph & Paul and the gifts they bring to the world:
https://www.fiercelyok.ca/
http://www.paulbartonmusic.com/

FAQs

Q: What kinds of songs do you sing?

A: While you will occasionally learn and sing a portion of a well-known song, it is likely that you won't recognize most of the songs we sing at first. Over the years, Steph & Paul have filled their pockets with 100+ mantra-like songs that are therapeutic by nature and easy to learn. We like to think of them as song companions - you can call upon them in your daily life to nourish your wellness and resilience. Many of these songs have been written by folks in the community singing network and carry rich origin stories. With time, you too may find that your pockets are full of these songs and that you are singing them wherever you go.

For a taste of the songs we sing, visit find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyjJ0b1AeJfwI9EQc0OVd5LPPOdJ5OBNZ.

Q: How can I support this offering?

A: For this particular offering, the suggested or "sustaining" contribution is $15 per adult. We use the term "sustaining" to let you know that this is the amount we need to receive per person on average to sustainably continue offering our workshops. The beauty of community is that where some can give less, others can give more, and it all works out.

Through Eventbrite, there are currently two different registration options:

1) Give What You Choose (GWYC): Reciprocate with the just-right amount for you. The suggested contribution is $15, but you are welcome to give more or less than this.

2) Come Receive! If you are unable to contribute at this time, please use the promo code COMERECEIVE to gain access to a free ticket. No payment required. No questions asked. You are so worthy of the gift of song no matter your ability to give.

We don't want money to be a factor in your decision to participate. Want to come check us out? Please choose option #2 and just come! If you feel moved, you can always contribute later. Easy, peasy!

To avoid payment processing fees, you may pay with cash at the door or send an e-transfer to gifts@fiercelyok.ca (no password required). To pay with cash, please select "Pay at the event" at the checkout. To pay via e-transfer, select "Pay by invoice" at the checkout and send your e-transfer before completing your registration or immediately after. Thank you!

If you are curious about other ways to give (e.g., volunteering your time), please reach out to steph@fiercelyok.ca. Steph would be happy to discuss other exchange options with you.

Q: How do you support people of all abilities, identities and singing experiences to participate?

A: While we acknowledge that we have work to do, we are endeavouring to create spaces in which folks of all abilities, identities and singing experiences are able to participate in ways that are satisfying to them. All songs will be taught in the repeat-after-me style and will be simple enough to learn in one sitting.

If you feel concerned about being able to pick up the lyrics, rest assured that we're careful to choose songs that aren't too wordy. We will teach the songs in bite-size chunks and check in with you often. If a chunk is too long, we will teach a shorter chunk. We will move at a human pace and leave no one behind. If visual aids are helpful for you, please bring along a little notebook to jot down the lyrics and let us know if you would like any assistance catching the words. We're here to support you!

The space we will be using at Next Church (the Sanctuary) is wheelchair accessible. The accessible entrance is located at the back of the venue, off of Ordnance Street. There are also 3 parking spaces located at the back of the building, which are reserved for folks with accessibility needs or equipment. Please note that all parking spaces are shared with other renters in the building. If an accessible parking spot would reduce barriers to your participation, please let us know in advance so we can reserve a parking spot for you. Street parking is also available in the area.

There is a bathroom located at the rear of the building near the kitchen and gym that can be accessed via wheelchair (i.e., it offers sufficient clearance to move around in a wheelchair). Unfortunately, this bathroom is not yet equipped with grab bars. Hopefully, this will change soon as Next Church completes steps two and three of their three-step accessibility project.

All bathrooms at Next Church are gender-neutral.

While we are working to anticipate your needs, we warmly invite you, if and when you feel safe enough, to let us know how we can best support you to show up. Together, as a community, we will grow.

Q: What is your wellness/COVID policy?

A: We are currently asking that participants complete their own wellness self-assessment prior to attending Fiercely OK events. Please attend only if you are feeling well and have not recently been sick or been in contact with someone who was sick. If you are unsure of whether you should attend, please complete this self-assessment: https://www.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ and reach out to Steph. If any symptoms of COVID-19, flu or other contagious illness become apparent during the event or in the 5 days after the event, please notify Steph right away.

Decisions regarding if and how to practice physical distancing at Fiercely OK events are left to the discretion of individuals in attendance. Masks are optional and most likely *will not* be worn by most participants. We ask that all participants exercise caution and sensitivity with regard to masking, maintaining physical distance, and practising hand hygiene in the presence of other participants. In case the circumstances require masking, we recommend that you bring a well-fitting N95 mask with you to the event. Please note that these guidelines and protocols are subject to change at any time without notice.

Q: What is your refund policy?

A: While we do not guarantee refunds for cancellations, unplanned absences or no-shows, we are committed to our relationship with you! Please be in touch with any concerns; we will work together to find an agreeable solution.

Any other questions?

Please do not hesitate to reach out to steph@fiercelyok.ca.

There is Fierce OKness in all of us. Let's find our way back to it together. ♥