~ Weekly singing for self-care, connection and a more beautiful world. ~
Our singing community is non-performing and non-auditioned. We sing together for the pure goodness of it. By gathering weekly, we care for ourselves, our wider community, and the Earth. All songs are taught by ear. All voices are welcome and no experience is required. Show up exactly as you are!
Curious, but not ready to commit? Drop-ins are welcome and your first time is free ! Use the promo code FALL2024TRIAL to unlock your free trial.
~ Event Details ~
6-Week Early Fall Song Circle Series
at Chalmers United Church
(212 Barrie St., Kingston, ON)
Wednesday Evenings, 7 to 8:30 pm EDT
September 11th to October 16th
Sustaining Contribution: $100 for 6 weeks
Drop-ins welcome! (Sustaining Contribution: $20 per week)
~ The Invitation ~
Join us at Chalmers United Church in downtown Kingston, Ontario on Wednesday evenings from September 11th to October 16th to experience the power and beauty of singing with others in community. Whether you’re a seasoned songbird or someone who only ever sings in the shower, our singing community 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 each 1.5-hour gathering, you will learn between 5 and 8 songs, ranging from playful to enchanting. Many of the songs we sing are about nature, wellness, hope, love, and our very human struggles. 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.
~ What to Expect ~
-A welcoming environment that embraces you and your voice as they are.
-Permission and encouragement to explore your voice at your own pace.
-Opportunities to connect with like-hearted humans and experience a sense of community.
-Easy-to-learn, heart-softening songs, ranging from playful to powerful and sacred, that will leave you feeling oh-so-OK in all of your tenderness.
There may be tears. There will certainly be laughter. Come prepared for the full range of feelings!
Since ancient times, people have gathered to sing as a way of caring for themselves, each other, and the more-than-human world. We hope you will join us to 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: Can I drop in?
A: YES. As this is our first weekly offering in Kingston, we welcome full-series and drop-in registrations.
All first-time participants are welcome to join one song circle for free before committing to further participation. Use the promo code FALL2024TRIAL to unlock your free trial. Please note: The full-season registration option includes one free session.
If you are torn between dropping in and committing to the full term, we highly recommend you dive in for the six-week experience. With every week, you will become more comfortable in the group and ultimately get more out of the experience.
Q: How can I support this offering? (In other words, what does it cost?)
A: We are happy to offer tiered pricing for the weekly song circles so that you can give what is generous and sustainable for YOU, based on your very unique lived experience. We use the term “sustaining contribution” below 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.
Gift options for full-series participants :
Sustaining Contribution: $100 for 6 weeks ($20 per session + 1 free session)
Supported Contribution: $75
Supporter Contribution: $125
Benefactor Contribution: $150
Gift options for drop-in participants :
Sustaining Contribution: $20 per session
Supported Contribution: $15
Supporter Contribution: $25
Benefactor Contribution: $30
If you know you want to sing regularly and these gift options are a barrier to your participation, please reach out to Steph at steph@fiercelyok.ca to discuss alternate options, like payment plans, energy exchanges, and COME RECEIVE spots .
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 Chalmer’s United Church (MacCallum Hall) is wheelchair accessible.
All bathrooms at Chalmer’s 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, we are committed to our relationship with you! Please be in touch with any concerns; we will work together to find an agreeable solution.
If you cancel your attendance due to health reasons or circumstances outside of your control, you will be offered a credit that you can apply to a future song circle with Steph & Paul.
Any other questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out to steph@fiercelyok.ca.
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