Mahali Circlesong Lab

About every six weeks, we – the Mahali improv ensemble – invite guests with musical and vocal experience to join us in practising circle songs, bringing more voices and energy to the session.

Mahali is a group of 10 singers who have been practising the art of vocal improvisation every Friday for many years. Until 2018, we were coached by Johanna Seiler as a practice group.

By Circlesongs, we mean guided, pattern-based vocal improvisations in the tradition of Bobby McFerrin. Those who wish can practice leading Circle Songs and improvising.

Depending on current interests, we place different emphasis on harmony, timbre, rhythm, irregular time signatures, the integration of body percussion, movement, language, etc.

For whom

You are most welcome if you meet the following criteria:

• Intonation: you can sing clearly in all registers and confidently hold your own voice in polyphonic contexts.

• Rhythm: You can accurately transcribe complex rhythms and maintain the tempo

• Stimulation: you can dynamically and timbrally adapt to other voices

• Experience in improvisation is welcome but not required, the main thing is that you are open to new things

If you are unsure, we haven't met yet, or you have questions, please get in touch.

Warm socks are recommended in cool temperatures.