Saturday's workshops start with yoga for those wanting to get ready for a very full day of music workshops that will run late into the evening with performances to end. Sunday will see another early start for those who wish to participate in the morning wellness workshops and a full day of singing workshops on offer, until we conclude with final performances in the afternoon. Pick and choose as you go through the day, enjoying the community vibe.

Located in a stunning location where rainforest meets the sea on the Mid North Coast of NSW (Grassy Head, 2441).

Some of our workshop teachers (running both days) include:

Parissa Bouas: https://parissabouas.com/home

Kirsten Mackenzie, formerly of Arramaieda (acclaimed Australian vocal quartet)

Co-ordinated by Ruth Nolan, choir leader and therapist and former co-ordinator for the ‘Choral Convergence’, 1998, 1999, 2000: https://www.facebook.com/mvbwnempower/videos/356995644909549
 

About Parissa Bouas

Apart from being an excellent performer, recording artist, songwriter & singer, Parissa has an innate ability for teaching.  Her hallmark generosity onstage extends to her students.  She has over 25 years experience as a singing teacher and has taught at Universities, Conservatorium's & high schools and is a full member of ANATS (Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing), receiving regular professional development.

In 2021-22 Parissa completed  Level 1-3, Somatic VoiceworkTM training with the highly acclaimed teacher, Jeannie LoVetri, in  NYC and a  Diploma in Music Production at SAE Byron Bay, with High Distinctions.  She is now regularly recording her singing students.

Parissa has been leading local & festival choirs and singing workshops, since 1995 including: Woodford Folk Festival, QLD ; Melbourne Singer's Festival, VIC;  RhythmSong  WA;  Jamberoo Folk Music Camp NSW;  Daylesford Singer’s Festival  VIC;  Folkworx  WA; Wintersong NSW; Music For Everyone  ACT. Parissa has taught alongside: Stephen Taberner, Rachel Hore, Kavisha Mazzella,  Carl Pannuzzo, Jojo Smith, Carl Cleves, Tanna Kjaer-Dona, Richard Lawton, Leigh Carriage, Fay White, Linsey Pollack, Stiff Gins…

In 2012 she wrote & conducted the Fairbridge Festival Festival Finale Choir celebrating the festival’s 20th anniversary.  In 2009, Parissa led the National Folk Festival Choir.  In 2000 she co-wrote & conducted the Woodford Folk Festival Millenium Fire Event Choir. For 10 years Parissa was part of the HSC Music Camp weekend program for North Coast Music Teachers Association, specialising in Vocal Performance Masterclasses. She has run 2 local choirs in Byron for many years: Ruby Tuesday’s and Lighthouse Voices

Parissa has toured the world, performing at top venues and festivals with The Hottentots, with whom she has recorded 6 multi award winning albums, the last 2 released by renowned German audiofile label, Stockfisch Records. Her debut solo CD won Dolphin Music Awards for Song of the Year, Best Jazz, and Best World Music in both 2012 & 2013. Parissa currently sings with  her own band the World Citizens,  with The Palm Wine Ambassadors,  with World/ Folk act The Hottentots,  with DJ Wazinator in Golden Flower, and has a vibrant private singing studio.
 

Catering and Bedding

Catering will be curries; choice of: Beef, Chicken, Gluten Free Vegetarian with Vegan options for lunch and dinner, as well as morning and afternoon tea of fruit platters, cakes and snacks etc. BYO BREAKFAST. Catering covers meals from Friday dinner to Sunday afternoon tea.

We are keeping costs low with the expectation that patrons will do their own cleaning rather than hire cleaners.

BYO BED LINEN. Cabins and dormitory accommodation available for Friday and Saturday night and can be paid onsite if you do not wish to take advantage of the full weekend package deal. Please book accommodation ahead to ensure you don't miss out. BBQs and a small kitchen for heating goods are available for patrons to use free of charge. The cabins also have kitchens.
 

Volunteers

Please contact Ruth if you would like to volunteer as an organiser or volunteer at the event (including cleaning). Please contact Ruth for any questions, requests and additional bookings. We are also currently hiring additional choir leaders and performers to run workshops.

Also, if you are local to the area, check out our weekly classes in Macksville and Kempsey with choir leader Ruth Nolan.
 

Contact

Ruth Nolan
m: 0431 868 149

e: freedomsong@netspace.net.au

Why should we jump on this opportunity?

The article below details how singing gives us a "natural high", by releasing chemical compounds and happy hormones. "The natural high it gives you may also help with pain relief". The article outlines studies showing significant benefits to the immune system and to mental health and wellbeing. Singing in a group combats many issues we face. "Studies have also reported increases of oxytocin, a social bonding hormone, which may help explain why singing in a group is such a good ice-breaker".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2VZPZmq2pRSMT2YHWbQdW7/why-singing-is-good-for-your-body-and-mind

This has all been made possible thanks to funding from Covid-19 Community Connection and Wellbeing Program grant from Resilience NSW.

Funded under the joint Australian Government – NSW Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018