About Us
The group began in 2014 or so (see history below) when several people from Iowa City traveled to the Village Fire singing festival in Decorah, Iowa, to learn from song leaders like Liz Rog. Liz, strong change force and advocate for the power of song, planted some seeds with those early Iowa City singers. She also came and led several workshops in Iowa City, and a group coalesced around this style of singing.
Community Sing relies on the oral tradition, is generally a capella, and focuses on themes of love, healing, empowerment, justice, the beauty of nature, and our connection to the earth. We recognize that singing is a spiritual practice in its own right. As we blend our voices, we are strengthening bonds of community and commitment to each other and the earth. It's also great fun!
Most songs are written for the movement by participants and song leaders, and many people in the Iowa City group have contributed to this growing canon. Community Sing is an international movement, with song groups active across the globe.
Out of this larger group, several smaller groups have sprung up to address specific needs:
Heartsong offers singing for people who are in times of transition, who may have a need for healing or support or simply sharing of joy.
The Iowa City Hospital Sing has met for several years (temporarily discontinued during Covid) at the Stead Children’s Hospital to sing to and with patients and staff.
Voices for Change sings in support of social justice events and movements.
A Songsmithing Workshop has met intermittently, as a forum to exchange song writing ideas and help each other develop original material.
Community Sing relies on the oral tradition, is generally a capella, and focuses on themes of love, healing, empowerment, justice, the beauty of nature, and our connection to the earth. We recognize that singing is a spiritual practice in its own right. As we blend our voices, we are strengthening bonds of community and commitment to each other and the earth. It's also great fun!
Most songs are written for the movement by participants and song leaders, and many people in the Iowa City group have contributed to this growing canon. Community Sing is an international movement, with song groups active across the globe.
Out of this larger group, several smaller groups have sprung up to address specific needs:
Heartsong offers singing for people who are in times of transition, who may have a need for healing or support or simply sharing of joy.
The Iowa City Hospital Sing has met for several years (temporarily discontinued during Covid) at the Stead Children’s Hospital to sing to and with patients and staff.
Voices for Change sings in support of social justice events and movements.
A Songsmithing Workshop has met intermittently, as a forum to exchange song writing ideas and help each other develop original material.
