Singing with Strangers: Songfest (NY)

In September 2025 and 2026, Maggie Wheeler hosted a 'Songfest' week at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. I've attended both - always curious and excited to spend a week with amazing composers, songwriters, singers, musicians, choir leaders, song circle leaders and community singers.

With 50+ humans across North America, I learned a lot more about song, power of words, history, lineage and what it can mean to embody music in community. Grateful for the experience and awed by the generosity of the 'faculty' and all the talent in the room. So many great song circle leaders, song carriers, choirs and singing groups getting together to connect, support and drive social change in many ways.

It's hard to translate the depth of the genuine and generous environment Maggie Wheeler creates with the team of incredible leaders for the week. Incredibly accessible, all questions welcome and each team member made themselves available. It's a big room of energies and all the feels :-)

Gatherings like this fuel my year from the inspiration, teachings, songs, resource sharing, meeting others, and above all, an ongoing commitment to get more community singing 'out there' and in to every day.

Deepest gratitude to Maggie Wheeler and all the song leaders she brings together for this annual event.

Songfest 2025 song leaders (L-R): Melanie de More, Alexandra Blakely, Maggie Wheeler, Arnae Batson, Aimée Ringle, Annilee List, percussionists: Moreau Halliburton and Meredith Lynn Scott.

Songfest 2026 song leaders (L-R): Melanie de More, Bruce Ncube, Maggie Wheeler, Sara Thomsen, Luke Wallace

Songfest 2026 (L-R): Melanie de More, Maggie Wheeler, Luke Wallace, Sara Thomsen, Bruce Ncube, percussionist: Meredith Lynn Scott.