Iowa City Community Sing
Iowa City Community Sing: Who we are
Welcome to Iowa City Community Sing (ICCS).
We strive to be an inclusive group, welcoming all voices to join in joyous, empowering, compassionate singing. Our motto is: Anyone can sing. This site was inspired by our friend and fellow singer Richard Bushby (1949 - 2019) who brought great energy and enthusiasm to the Iowa City Community Sing group. Richard was quick to welcome new people, and eagerly learned new songs to share with others. He offered us his home and his heart to hold our group.
Early on, Richard started recording our singing events. Part of his legacy is the hundreds of songs stored on his computer. With the help of his wife, Sarah Neary, a dear Community Sing member herself, we were able to retrieve many of them. This website contains just a small sampling of those songs, representative of the spirit of ICCS. The microphone was always close to Richard, and we are lucky to have his voice as a steady, strong presence in most of these recordings.
We strive to be an inclusive group, welcoming all voices to join in joyous, empowering, compassionate singing. Our motto is: Anyone can sing. This site was inspired by our friend and fellow singer Richard Bushby (1949 - 2019) who brought great energy and enthusiasm to the Iowa City Community Sing group. Richard was quick to welcome new people, and eagerly learned new songs to share with others. He offered us his home and his heart to hold our group.
Early on, Richard started recording our singing events. Part of his legacy is the hundreds of songs stored on his computer. With the help of his wife, Sarah Neary, a dear Community Sing member herself, we were able to retrieve many of them. This website contains just a small sampling of those songs, representative of the spirit of ICCS. The microphone was always close to Richard, and we are lucky to have his voice as a steady, strong presence in most of these recordings.
Richard Bushby (1949 - 2019)
This website is a way to continue to keep Richard’s spirit alive,
and to celebrate and document the group that was so dear to his heart.
This website is a way to continue to keep Richard’s spirit alive,
and to celebrate and document the group that was so dear to his heart.
What Community Sing Means to Me
"Community Sing changed my life. My dear friend encouraged me to join; my response: “No way! I am a terrible singer.” But the words to all of the songs that we learn in the oral tradition permeate
my heart and soul and lift me up every single day. Yes, I sing loudly alone at home. The group is welcoming to all; and such fun and wise folks. And they make beautiful music together."
- Linda Rice
"Finding the joy of song in a non-judgmental environment. Love this group."
- Carole Buchmiller
"Here are some words to describe the way I feel when I sing with the ICCS group: Connected, loved, harmonized, worthy, needed, available, genuine, transported, emotional and joyous."
- Karen Charney
"Life can be messy and sad. Seven years ago, I lived with regrets about some past decisions; I felt I had wasted years of my life. Then I started singing with an amazing group of people. And something significant shifted. Almost magically, singing helped me let go and heal."
- Susan Salterberg
"Community sing opens my heart and threads it with beauty, joy, and gratitude. When I sing in harmony with others, I feel woven into the world."
- Carol Tyx
my heart and soul and lift me up every single day. Yes, I sing loudly alone at home. The group is welcoming to all; and such fun and wise folks. And they make beautiful music together."
- Linda Rice
"Finding the joy of song in a non-judgmental environment. Love this group."
- Carole Buchmiller
"Here are some words to describe the way I feel when I sing with the ICCS group: Connected, loved, harmonized, worthy, needed, available, genuine, transported, emotional and joyous."
- Karen Charney
"Life can be messy and sad. Seven years ago, I lived with regrets about some past decisions; I felt I had wasted years of my life. Then I started singing with an amazing group of people. And something significant shifted. Almost magically, singing helped me let go and heal."
- Susan Salterberg
"Community sing opens my heart and threads it with beauty, joy, and gratitude. When I sing in harmony with others, I feel woven into the world."
- Carol Tyx
This website is the fruit of sustained efforts by what we like to call "the Richard committee" :
Andy Douglas, Carol Tyx, Barbara Zilles, Marie Garry and Sarah Neary. Thanks also to Adina Levitt for technical assistance.
Andy Douglas, Carol Tyx, Barbara Zilles, Marie Garry and Sarah Neary. Thanks also to Adina Levitt for technical assistance.