WHAT IS A ONE-DAY CHOIR?
Gaia Music Collective's One-Day Choir series is an opportunity to sing in a choir for one day only. A celebration of song and the connective power of singing in harmony. An opportunity to build community, make some new friends, and raise our powerfully diverse voices as one.
No auditions. No commitment. No need for perfection.
Just the joy of creating something bigger than ourselves with a room full of beautiful humans!
Whether you're a vocal ensemble veteran or have never sung in a group before, you are welcome here - all experience levels are valued in Gaia Music Collective!
OUR SONG THIS TIME AROUND
For this One-Day Choir, we will be lifting our voices to “American Requiiem” by Beyoncé, arranged by our very own Kenyon Duncan. This opening track from her Cowboy Carter album is a bold and soul-stirring call to reckon with history, reclaim identity, and honor the resilience of those who came before us. With its powerful blend of gospel, folk, and country influences, the song reminds us that music can be both lament and liberation, grief and celebration. Kenyon’s arrangement will guide us through this deeply layered piece, creating a space where we can embody its message together in harmony. Join us as we transform Beyoncé’s vision into a collective choral experience that speaks to truth, justice, and belonging.
LEARNING THE MUSIC
Sheet music and vocal recordings of each part will be available as learning resources before the event, and our collective goal is to practice the parts ahead of time so that we might come into the gathering with ! This way we can spend our time together really diving into the richness of music-making, rather than trying to teach the parts one by one. We don't need to know our parts by heart by any means (and you defffinitely don’t have to memorize it), but the stronger we are in our parts coming in, the more we'll be able to really dig into the fun stuff!
(If this style of learning isn't your cup of tea, we have other group singing events where you don't need to prepare at all! Check out our CircleSinging gatherings and House Shows.)
LED and FACILITATED BY:
Kenyon Duncan is a Brooklyn-based composer-performer, teaching artist, and producer from Northern California. Grounded in the sonic traditions of the Black diaspora, Kenyon’s creative practice engages questions of embodiment and placemaking. Kenyon’s experience as a conductor and ensemble leader has led to the production of 3 award-winning albums, bringing him around the world to lead workshops on vocal performance and ensemble technique. A sought after collaborator, Kenyon’s contributions as a vocalist, pianist, and arranger are featured on multiple studio albums, and he is currently developing a solo recording project. Recent commissions include works for iSing Silicon Valley, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, the Princeton Playhouse Choir and Orchestra, and the Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia.
Join us for an evening of spontaneous harmonies, soulful songs, and playful explorations of rhythm and melody! These sessions are the heart of what we've been building here at Gaia - warm, welcoming spaces for spontaneous singing and harmonizing, led with joy, passion, and kindness by skilled circlesong facilitators. WHAT IS CIRCLESINGING? A spontaneous vocal jam, sung by all of us and led by a facilitator in the middle of the circle who invents parts, teaches improvised harmonies, and shapes the music as we flow from meditative moments to vibrant dance parties to heartfelt anthems and everything in between! Circle Singing is: playful creative collaborative joyful imperfect improvised finding the flow a full body exploration welcoming to all ability levels Circle Singing is done all over the world in many different forms, and, while popularized by musical legends such as Bobby McFerrin and Rhiannon of WeBe3, it dates back to the earliest forms of human singing. WHO IS LEADING THIS CIRCLESINGING SESSION? Sofía Campoamor (she/her) first started writing songs to make school projects more fun. This lighthearted approach to academics led her to study music at Yale University, where she performed a cappella music around the world as the first woman member of the Whiffenpoofs. School gave way to a music career; in 2022, Sofía’s word game project #wordlesong gained popularity on Tiktok and generated several of the songs for her debut album "if you knew, i couldn't tell,” an indie folk collection that blends her love of intricate vocal harmony with dreamy acoustic soundscapes to tell tales of love, longing and friendship. When she’s not touring or recording, Sofía volunteers for the nonprofit Hear Your Song, leading collaborative songwriting sessions with children managing serious illness and complex health needs. She also enjoys teaching music to kids ages 5 to 80 and singing with the Oratory Choir of St. Boniface. Sofía is so grateful to call Gaia Music Collective her creative home, and loves co-creating with the community at every collaborative open mic, songwriting circle, and choir! WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CIRCLESINGING SESSION? We begin with some easy singing games and a check-in to get to know everyone a little better. From there, the evening will follow a series of guided singing games and exercises as the group explores rhythm, movement, melody, and harmony. We practice the art of saying YES to what is happening in the moment - expressing ourselves, listening to our voices and bodies, and making stuff up. DO I HAVE TO BE AN EXPERIENCED SINGER? Nope! This playful, intuitive approach to singing meets you wherever you're at in your vocal journey, and allows professional artists, former choir kids, and shower singers alike to bond, collaborate, and create beautiful vocal music as a spontaneous vocal community. WHAT GENRE OF MUSIC DO WE SING? That's the magic of improvisation - the music we make is entirely dependent on the ensemble of folx gathered together on that particular day, and whatever musical stylings and instincts pour out of us! We will follow whatever journey the music takes us on. THIS SOUNDS COOL, BUT I FEEL A BIT ANXIOUS... We hear you. Singing in front of people can be really vulnerable, and we make sure to honor where everyone is at. While we will encourage you to be brave and try new things, you are also always encouraged to listen to your body and draw your own boundaries, and are invited to pass or sit out and watch if a particular game or exercise isn't for you. You will never be forced to do anything you don't want to do! Circle Singing is a mistake-free, low-pressure, safe space to play and explore. The space we craft is one where we allow ourselves let go of the rules, restrictions, judgments, and fears of other group singing settings and just SING. RESPECT THE SPACE: Arts on Site 3F is a beloved venue and we want to honor them! Please be considerate of the space. PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: 2 step walk up to lobby. Elevator available to the 3rd floor (reserved for those with physical disabilities). Seating available (narrow benches with no backs). Bathroom is not wheelchair accessible. Venue prefers shoes to be removed upon entering. For the summer: space does not have A/C 🌱 🌿 🌳 LOW-PRESSURE PARTICIPATION Gaia Music Collective events are participatory, but low-pressure. You'll be invited to sing along and make music with us, but we encourage you to draw your own boundaries and engage at your own pace - we pride ourselves in creating a judgment-free community where you can express yourself however feels right! LATE ARRIVALS We ask that you arrive no later than 30 minutes after start time, after which we close the doors (lovingly) in order to preserve the intimacy and trust of the musical container we’re building. Thank you for understanding! CANCELLATION POLICY Tickets are refundable up to 24 hours before the event, after which we are no longer able to offer refunds. This policy helps us keep these events financially sustainable for both our community and our team. If you RSVP but are no longer able to come, please let us know so that we may offer your spot to someone else! We want as many people to be able to experience these gatherings as possible, and since capacity is limited, each spot is precious. For more info, contact us at gaiamusiccollective@gmail.com. MEDIA CONSENT Because we want to share what we’re up to with people who can’t join us in person, there may be photographers and videographers present — by attending, you consent to being a part of that media, some of which may be posted online! If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at gaiamusiccollective@gmail.com. NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS Gaia is funded by sliding scale ticket donations, with a “no one turned away for lack of funds” policy. It is of the utmost importance to us that these events remain affordable and accessible - we never want money to be a barrier to making music together. If a ticket scale is financially prohibitive to you, feel free to donate outside of the scale at whatever amount is sustainable for you, or to email us at gaiamusiccollective@gmail.com for volunteer opportunities or assistance! COMMUNITY GUIDELINES At Gaia Music Collective, we are dedicated to building a community where creativity, collaboration, and care thrive. The values listed here shape how we work together, how we engage with the world, and how we move toward upholding these principles. OUR MISSION Gaia Music Collective is an NYC-based creative community seeking to foster a more connected world through collective music-making. Founded in June of 2021 in a living room in Brooklyn, this project was born out of a desire to create accessible, inclusive, playful spaces for people to explore connection, expression, healing, and release through collaborative song - spaces where folks feel empowered to make music free of judgment or expectation, and to make new friends as our full, beautiful, authentic selves. We believe that communal music-making is a fundamental human practice, and this project seeks to build spaces for folks to nurture their relationship to music, whether they're shower singers, professional musicians, or anything in between. All are welcome in this community. Gaia seeks to foster spaces of belonging for humans of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, classes, religions, abilities, national origins, languages, and musical experiences. All we ask is that you bring an open mind, a desire to connect, and a willingness to leave judgment of self and others at the door. FAQ Have any questions that haven't been answered here? Check out our Event FAQs! 🏡
Bollywood Holi Cruise Party - RANG BARSE HOLI PARTY Get ready for an unforgettable Holi celebration on the water 🌈🚢 RANG BASE – Holi Cruise Party in NYC brings together color, culture, music, and luxury for a one-of-a-kind daytime cruise experience. Dance to high-energy Bollywood beats, feel the rhythm of live dhol, enjoy Indian snacks, sip drinks from the cash bar, and celebrate Holi surrounded by iconic NYC views including the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Perfect for friends, groups, birthdays, and festive celebrations. What’s Included 🎧 Live DJ 🥁 Live Dholi 🍽️ Indian Snacks to Purchase 🍸 Cash Bar Available 🚢 Luxury Yacht Cruise 🌆 NYC Skyline Views 🎉 Holi Celebration Atmosphere Age Requirement 21+ Only Valid government-issued ID required. Group Discounts & Info For group discounts and more information: 📞 Call or Text Kish: (848) 247-8082 Important Notes Boarding closes before sailing time No refunds for missed departure Event will happen rain or shine Follow onboard safety rules !Event image !Event image !Event image !Event image !Event image
New Series in the spirit of Perreo Join us at the hottest party in Manhattan to celebrate Colombian Independence Day! $6 Margaritas until 8pm - come early, stay late for perreo ✝ ✝Reggaeton on Houston ✝ VIP Bottle Service Available For reservations & more information: info@perreoparrty.com / Allan: 646-263-4593 Event Information: Doors: 05:00 PM --- ???? Must be 21 & over to attend Follow us for perreo updates on Instagram & Facebook
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY:
CANCELLATION POLICY
We want as many people to be able to experience these gatherings as possible, and since capacity is limited, each spot is precious! If you RSVP but are no longer able to come, please let us know at least 24 hours before the event so that we may offer your spot to someone else. Tickets are non-transferable, as we need to be able to gather enough funds to rent the spaces and pay our lovely facilitator.
For more info, contact us at gaiamusiccollective@gmail.com.
MEDIA CONSENT
Because we want to share what we’re up to with people who can’t join us in person, there will be photographers and videographers present — by attending, you consent to being a part of that media, some of which may be posted online! Please email us with any questions or concerns at gaiamusiccollective@gmail.com.
🌱 🌿 🌳
RESPECT THE SPACE!
This is a beloved venue and we want to honor them! Please be considerate of the space.
About Judson Memorial Church
Founded in 1890 at the edge of Washington Square Park, Judson Memorial Church is a vibrant community rooted in the belief that faith and the arts can work hand in hand to advance social justice, creativity, and inclusion. Known for supporting artists, activists, and seekers of all kinds, Judson provides space for performance, worship, and community dialogue that uplifts diverse voices and challenges boundaries. Guided by progressive values and radical hospitality, Judson continues to serve as a sanctuary for expression, belonging, and the common good.
LOW-PRESSURE PARTICIPATION
Gaia Music Collective events are participatory, but low-pressure. You'll be invited to sing along and make music with us, but we encourage you to draw your own boundaries and engage at your own pace - we pride ourselves in creating a judgment-free community where you can express yourself however feels right!
LATE ARRIVALS
We ask that you arrive no later than 30 minutes after start time, after which we close the doors (lovingly) in order to preserve the intimacy and trust of the musical container we’re building. Thank you for understanding!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tickets are refundable up to 24 hours before the event, after which we are no longer able to offer refunds. This policy helps us keep these events financially sustainable for both our community and our team. If you RSVP but are no longer able to come, please let us know so that we may offer your spot to someone else! We want as many people to be able to experience these gatherings as possible, and since capacity is limited, each spot is precious.
For more info, contact us at gaiamusiccollective@gmail.com.
MEDIA CONSENT
Because we want to share what we’re up to with people who can’t join us in person, there may be photographers and videographers present — by attending, you consent to being a part of that media, some of which may be posted online! If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at gaiamusiccollective@gmail.com.
NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS
Gaia is funded by sliding scale ticket donations, with a “no one turned away for lack of funds” policy. It is of the utmost importance to us that these events remain affordable and accessible - we never want money to be a barrier to making music together. If a ticket scale is financially prohibitive to you, feel free to donate outside of the scale at whatever amount is sustainable for you, or to email us at gaiamusiccollective@gmail.com for volunteer opportunities or assistance!
COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
At Gaia Music Collective, we are dedicated to building a community where creativity, collaboration, and care thrive. The values listed here shape how we work together, how we engage with the world, and how we move toward upholding these principles.
OUR MISSION
Gaia Music Collective is an NYC-based creative community seeking to foster a more connected world through collective music-making. Founded in June of 2021 in a living room in Brooklyn, this project was born out of a desire to create accessible, inclusive, playful spaces for people to explore connection, expression, healing, and release through collaborative song - spaces where folks feel empowered to make music free of judgment or expectation, and to make new friends as our full, beautiful, authentic selves.
We believe that communal music-making is a fundamental human practice, and this project seeks to build spaces for folks to nurture their relationship to music, whether they're shower singers, professional musicians, or anything in between.
All are welcome in this community: all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, classes, religions, abilities, national origins, languages, and musical experiences. All we ask is that you bring an open mind, a desire to connect, and a willingness to leave judgment of self and others at the door.
FAQ
Have any questions that haven't been answered here? Check out our Event FAQs!
🏡