Winter Harmony Singing Retreat

About the session

Join a cosy harmony singing retreat day at The Abbey, Sutton Courtenay, and enjoy beautiful songs in full harmony, all taught by ear. Through creative prompts and a little experiment with laughter yoga, we will explore ways to shake off habitual tension that inhibits your natural, expressive singing voice, and sing beautiful, soothing harmony songs together. • Settle into cosy, historic surroundings • Learn carefully chosen harmony songs that inspire the mind and replenish the spirit • Understand and release blocks to your voice • Follow creative prompts to explore your inner world and connect with others • Enjoy a delicious lunch and refreshments THE VENUE The retreat will take place in the Great Hall of the Abbey at Sutton Courtenay, a beautiful medieval manor house that today is a spiritual retreat centre welcoming guests from all faiths and none. This atmospheric hall is accessed through a pretty courtyard garden and has an open log fireplace. The Abbey team will provide a home-cooked vegetarian lunch and delicious snacks. CREATIVE PRACTICE I will provide reflective prompts for releasing blocks to singing. This will include an introduction to laughter yoga exercises to release tension that inhibits expression! SONG SHARING There is time for you to teach a song to the group if you would like to. THE RETREAT HOST Rachel Holmes is a singer and choir leader based in Oxfordshire. She connects emotion, body and voice into powerful group singing. In 2019 she trained as a natural voice leader with Kate Valentine and currently runs natural voice song circles in Chilton and Cholsey. She completed Line Hilton’s singing teacher training in 2020 and completed her Foundation in Art Therapy at IATE in 2021. Rachel loves bringing these threads together into a holistic and uplifting experience of singing. WHO CAN ATTEND? The retreat is open to all adults who love singing. WHAT TO BRING • A water bottle • A notebook or your journal, and a pen • Cosy layers or a blanket DATE The retreat is on Sunday 18th January, 10 am to 4 pm. LOCATION The Great Hall The Abbey, Sutton Courtenay OX14 4AF TICKET INFORMATION £95 for the day. Booking is essential and closes one week before the event. Spaces are limited to 20, which keeps the workshop feeling personal. Tickets are non-refundable. Lunch and refreshments are included. All food is vegetarian; vegan, dairy free and gluten free options can be provided. Please let me know your dietary requirements when booking.