Mothersong welcomes new and returning members to join us for our Fall Season, which starts Sunday, 9/16!

Mothersong Chorus is an intergenerational women’s singing circle for women and children aged 8 and up.  (Though some babies always join us too!)  Our repertoire draws on folk singing traditions from around the world.  Some of the traditions we explore are hypnotic sacred rounds and chants, joyous South African freedom songs with gorgeous, easy to learn three part harmonies, mystical Jewish niguns, and shape note music, a uniquely brash American tradition.  We are a singing group, a talking and listening group, a place to get closer to spirit together. You don’t need know how to read music — songs are taught the old-fashioned way, by ear.  Nor do you need to be a confident singer. Together, we create a safe space for singers at all levels of comfort and ability.

Our season ends with a sharing for friends and family.  However, this is not primarily a performance-oriented group, and our meetings are not rehearsals.  Mothersong Chorus is a place to take refuge in sisterhood and find strength in the uplift of shared song.

Our Approach

As a leader, I strive to foster natural singing.  When we sing in this way, we are “in the flow”.  Song seems to pour through us out into the world.  It’s a mystical experience, a loss of self.  When we experience it, we feel joy and release.

All of us have the potential to experience singing in this way.  As a long time professional singer-songwriter and now voice teacher, I’ve observed that usually, the main barrier to natural singing is tension in the body.  The root causes of this tension are rarely physical– often, it is rooted in our thinking.  In this group, toning exercises help us overcome negative thought patterns so song can flow through us, pure and unobstructed.  A supportive group culture helps us feel safe enough to bring our whole, authentic selves.  What we bring is enough, and this group is a place to celebrate that.  When we honor the beauty we see in one another, the music can’t help but be beautiful.

FAQ

Q:  Do I need to be a mother to join this group?

A:  No, our group is open to ALL women.

Q:  Do I need to commit to the entire session?

A:  Yes.  This level of commitment helps us establish a warmly supportive culture where everyone feels safe.  

Q:  Can I try the group before I commit?

A:  Yes.  You are welcome to attend one meeting to try it out for free.

Q:  Are auditions required for this group?

A:  There is no formal audition.  However, we do require that everyone can carry a tune while singing with other people.  The great news is, this is totally a learnable skill! Occasionally, I may suggest that someone invest in private lessons to get a little extra support, either with me or with a different teacher.

Q:  Can I join you after the season starts?

A:  You may join us mid season, with the permission of the director. 

We look forward to welcoming you to our circle!

Payment

To help keep Mothersong as accessible as possible, full time members may pay at three possible tiers.  Payment may be made all at once, or in four installments, payable in October, November, December and January. 

Our season includes 19 meetings, including the final concert.  The amounts below reflect paying about $15, $20, or $25 per meeting plus a little extra to cover the cost of venue rental for our final concert.  You choose your payment tier.  

• Full session $500, or four monthly payments of $125 
• Full session $400, or four monthly payments of $100
• Full session $300, or four monthly payments of $75

This amount will be prorated based on when you join us.

Thank you for supporting this group at the level you can afford.

Our Schedule

Fall Season runs September 16th through January 20th.

We meet on Sunday afternoons, 3:30 – 5PM at Community Well.  78 Ocean Ave, San Francisco.

Our season ends with a performance and potluck reception for family and friends on Sunday, January 20th.  Call time: 2:15 PM.  Doors at 3PM, concert at 3:15 PM.

Other Important Dates:

There is one additional meeting on Friday, January 18th, 2019, also at Community Well, from 5 – 7 PM

We will not meet on October 7th.

About the Director

Noe Venable is a singer and holistic music educator.  As a singer-songwriter, Noe has released six albums of original music, which have earned her a loyal following throughout the world.  Noe’s songs have appeared in film, and Noe has toured nationally with some of the greats, including Ani DiFranco.

As a teacher, Noe’s approach is grounded in the belief that everyone is musical.   Her classes provide a safe space for beginners and experienced singers alike to explore the joy of making music together.  Noe teaches people of all ages.  For little ones, Noe leads Meadowlark Music Class, a nature inspired music class that children attend with a caregiver.  She also established the parent-child program at Golden Bridges School, where she taught child observation classes for families.  For women and girls, she leads Mothersong Chorus, which brings an intergenerational group of women together weekly to sing.

Noe holds a masters degree from Harvard Divinity School, and a Waldorf teaching certificate from Antioch, New England. Noe’s work is grounded in her spiritual practice, which she continues to deepen through ongoing study with Isa Gucciardi of The Sacred Stream.