2012 Dave Stringer: Renowned International Kirtan Artist

Description

"Stringer’s sound marries the transcendent mysticism of traditional Indian instruments with the exuberant, groove-oriented sensibility of American gospel, and he is regarded as one of the most gifted singers in the genre. Stringer, who is also an accomplished composer and multi-instrumentalist, has a special ability to bring people together and inspire them to sing. His work intends to create a modern and participatory theatrical experience out of the ancient traditions of kirtan and yoga, open to a multiplicity of interpretations, and accessible to all"

www.davestringer.com

Friday, 2 March

An Evening of Kirtan with Dave Stringer at Yoga Spirit Studios

“I don’t know which to prefer, the beauty of inflections, or the beauty of innuendoes. The blackbird whistling, or just after.” --- Wallace Stevens

The call and response form of mantra chanting known as Kirtan is a consciousness-transforming practice, directing the singers to vanish into the song as drops merge into the ocean. The form is simple: a lead group calls out the melodies. The crowd responds, clapping and dancing as the rhythms of tablas, finger cymbals, harmonium, tamboura, electric bass, guitar and trumpet build and accelerate. The mantras are projected overhead, making them simple to follow.

Yoga doesn’t ask us to believe; it asks us to inquire and to practice, examining our experience until we can witness the truth in the book of our own heart. The mantras are primarily recitations of names given to the divine. But perhaps the true understanding of the practice of kirtan can be found in the sense of unity, well-being and timelessness it elicits. The mantras quiet the mind, and the music frees the heart. Ecstasy is both the process and the product.

Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 March

The Inner Musician Kirtan Workshop with Dave Stringer

"Listen friend, this body is his instrument. He draws the strings tight, and out of it comes the music of the universe." --- Kabir

Everyone is born with the basic equipment to be musical: a voice and a pair of hands. This workshop will focus on the yoga of finding a comfortable relationship with your singing voice and developing your rhythmic abilities. Chanting creates an atmosphere conducive to self-inquiry. The practices of physical yoga asanas and chanting are connected through pranayama (breathing with intention and awareness).

In this workshop, you'll learn how to chant simple Sanskrit mantras, to understand their meanings and history, and how to establish a daily practice. Basic Instruction will also be offered on playing finger cymbals and harmonium.

This workshop is for yoga teachers who wish to incorporate chanting in their yoga classes. It’s also for those who aspire to lead kirtan, or to simply deepen their experience and understanding of chanting.

Participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments and percussion. No previous experience is necessary.

3 March - Saturday:

14:00 -17:00 - Part 1 workshop - 3 hrs

Opening kirtan - 30 minutes

The history, philosophy and neuroscience of kirtan and mantras - 45 minutes Basic instruction on playing finger cymbals and harmonium - 45 minutes Rhythm and vocal workshop - 60 minutes

17:00-18:00 - Vegetarian dinner catered for at the studio

18:00-20:00 - Part 2 workshop - 2 hrs

Instruction on developing simple musical arrangements for kirtan. Group learns to play a kirtan together, with instructor support.

4 March – Sunday

09:00 - 12:00 - Part 3 workshop - 3 hrs

Group learns opening and closing mantras. Workshop on explaining mantras and use of mantras in yoga classes and meditation.

12:00pm-13:00pm - Shared lunch at studio. Attendees to bring a vegetarian dish to share.

13:00pm-16:00pm - Part 4 workshop- 3 hrs?

Ragas and thalas. Group learns a bhajan together. Closing kirtan with everyone playing. Questions and discussion.