Pauline Down SongWaves
A Singing Retreat
30 July-1 August 2021
A nourishing retreat for body and soul
Connecting with our surroundings
Spontaneous embodied singing
Resonance and freedom
Indoors and outdoors
We will explore ways of using the voice more freely, enjoying resonance in our bodies and in relation to others and the space around us. We will draw inspiration from the beautiful indoor and outdoor environment and find ways of connecting vocally to our surroundings.
All of this can help to build confidence as well as release energy and enable relaxation and a greater sense of well-being.
Pauline will also offer a range of enabling musical structures and prompts for creating and developing collaborative ‘songs in the moment’.
It is deeply satisfying and refreshing to sing intuitively in response to other voices and in response to nature.
Improvising vocally with others requires respectful attention as well as spontaneity that practised together can bring a profound feeling of joy.
This is an opportunity to come and play with your voice, perhaps be inspired to create your own compositions and to find the bliss of simply being and sounding fully in the moment in connection with others.
‘Just wanted to express my appreciation once again for such an enriching retreat that you led us through so skillfully. It felt both deep and nourishing, and also light and playful……’
‘The food was delicious and hosts were very warm and friendly’
‘joy, freedom and relaxation, and learning to listen more deeply……’
Pauline Down
Pauline has worked for many years as a singing and voice leader and composer both locally and internationally. She is a founder member of the Natural Voice Network.
Her love of spontaneous singing comes originally from her background in the anarchic world of theatre impro and clowning as well as from her extensive experience of using singing to promote health and well-being with all ages. Her workshops are renowned for their warmth, playfulness, humour and fun as well as for their moments of musical magic!
Pauline currently lives in Cardiff where she works as a community choir leader, including for an award winning arts project working with ex service men and women living with PTSD. She has also used singing extensively health care settings including with elders living with dementia & their carers.
Pauline performs regularly as part of the storytelling duo Adlais with Michael Harvey and as part of the vocal trio Bread & Roses with Frankie Armstrong and Laura Bradshaw.
Arrival
Pauline’s singing weekend will take place in the Hall Barn and in the grounds of Hill Cottage Retreat Centre. Arriving at 5.00pm on Friday evening with dinner around 6.30pm followed by a short session, then continuing through the day on Saturday, including an informal evening session, and 10.00am – 4.00pm on Sunday.
Cost for the residential workshop with full board:
Single Rooms in the Studio and Rowan Cabin £tba per person
Shared Twin Rooms in Ash and Alder Barns £tba per person
The food will be vegetarian (or vegan and gluten free where requested in advance). Participants will be asked to help with clearing up and keeping the spaces alive and welcoming.
Booking
A £50 deposit will reserve a place. To find out more or to book, contact Pauline:
07952752823
I don’t sing because I’m happy, I’m happy because I sing