Tag Archives: oral tradition

Singing in the Light – The Tale of a Long and Shining Collaboration

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Barbara McAfee

  For over ten years, my monthly community song circle has supported the work of Fifty Lanterns International, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that brings solar power to people in the developing world. We call the gatherings “Singing in the Light” for … Continue reading →

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Living By Heart: Reclaiming the Oral Tradition

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Barbara McAfee

I lead a monthly community sing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Newcomers to the circle are often looking around for the lyric sheets or songbooks. There aren’t any. I teach singing in the oral tradition, one line at a time, without paper … Continue reading →

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About Singing

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Barbara McAfee

“I’m the world’s worst singer.  Can’t carry a tune in a bucket!” “I used to sing. Then I stopped.  Went to school, got a job, had a family, got busy.  I sure miss it.” “The only reason I go to … Continue reading →

Posted in community, music, oral tradition, self expression, singing, voice | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Occupy – “Our” Voice

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Barbara McAfee

Last night I heard a story about the Occupy Wall Street Movement on National Public Radio.  The report contained recordings of the occupiers’ innovative, low-tech amplification system where the people in the immediate vicinity of the speaker echo his or … Continue reading →

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Voice – The Original Information Superhighway

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Barbara McAfee

In the days before the printing press, most information in the world was conveyed through the oral tradition. Imagine how important the voice was in those times.  There were dire consequences if you didn’t adequately: •  transmit information about hunting … Continue reading →

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