Spontaneous Choir has been part of the past 15 ConFests.
It began at the first Easter ConFest at Tocumwal in 1990.
At the previous ConFest at Walwa, Peter Gleeson had learned the basics of Harmonic Singing (Tibetan throat singing, polyphonics or overtones).
He expected to find advanced classes.
Instead, he found nothing.
He decided spontaneously to form a choir that explored all human collective sounds.
The rest is history.
Over 4000 people have been involved over the years
Often choirs grow to more than 200.
There is something wonderful, ancient and tribal about the choir sounds, particularly at twilight in a place of nature.
Movement enhances the experience. Circles of people inside circles of people.
Moving choir.
Circles of thumbs.
Sonic Bath.
Percussion.
Dance.
Improvisation.
Notes and chords.
Giving, sharing and receiving sound.
Each performance lasts for about an hour and a half and is directed spontaneously by Peter Gleeson and his 110 decibel baritone voice.
The purpose is entertainment but part of it is exploration and instruction on the workings of the voice.
People often reach euphoric states. Some people have used it as therapy. Others use it as a prelude to a big night out.
Memories are made.
Stories can be told of the experience.
The sounds of Spontaneous Choir can be relived in your dreams.
Spontaneous Choir continues beyond ConFest in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney and Adelaide.
In April 1997, Spontaneous Choir recorded a CD in Bendigo.
Peter Gleeson 6 Banyula Crt, GOLDEN SQUARE, 3555.