Registration is Now Open
Registration is now open for Earthsong 2025. You must fill out a registration form if you wish to attend. What is Earthsong, you ask? Read on for all the details.
JOIN US FOR EARTHSONG 2025: July 14 to July 18
Whether you are a seasoned singer or new to singing there is a place for you in Earthsong.
Build connections with Earth and other people as we lift our voices in song and explore movement, community and spiritual practices which will encourage creative expressions of gratitude, lament and hope for Creation. Making time for joy is a practical way to heal ourselves and heal Earth.
All you need is a desire to sing and love for Earth. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
Download a photo of our 11×17 inch Earthsong poster to help us promote Earthsong on social media.
Download an 11×17 inch pdf version of the Earthsong poster
Contact us for printed copies of the poster.
WHAT WE WILL DO
Intentionally create community
We will get to know one another and include space for storytelling and expressing our emotions. We will strive for a safe and supported time to be with others who share similar commitments about singing and respecting Earth. We hope to envision connections beyond the week to sustain the community we experience.
Be attentive to our bodies
Stretching and breathing will be the start to each day. Our bodies are our instrument and sound their best when tuned up before playing. Movements will be simple and alternatives for differing abilities will be provided.
Root ourselves in reflection
Drawing on the wisdom of many traditions we will set our intentions and deepen our spiritual connections. There will be some time to explore creative options such as art, writing, walking, and prayer.
Play!
Body percussion, rhythm training, boomwacking, dancing, laughing, laughing, laughing.
Touch the Earth
We will have time to move out of the building to connect with creation.
And most of all we will Sing! Sing! Sing!
There will be singing throughout the day: songs that connect us with gratitude to the beauty of our earthly home, songs that touch the heart and move the soul, fun and silly songs. Some of the music will be taught by ear, some will have scores to follow.
We will gain a better understanding of ways we can use our singing voice to express ourselves! The human voice is capable of doing AMAZING things! Human voices brought together in ensemble are DIVINE! And contrary to what a lot of us have been taught to believe, everyone can learn to sing.
Leadership
Jeremy Vallance will lead the singing
Jeremy Vallance
Director/Teacher, Clarinet, Voice, Piano, B.Mus., B.Ed. University of Manitoba 1991
Jeremy loves leading people, and it shows. Building community, creating connections and helping people overcome their inhibitions to discover the joys of self-expression have been at the heart of every project in which Jeremy’s been involved. He has delighted audiences, choristers and students with his humor, high energy and enthusiasm for singing, along with his passion for making music accessible, inclusive and fun. His approach lifts people, inspiring plenty of laughter as he skillfully helps choristers reach their collective goals.
When we learn to open up and not let our fears or those of others shut us down, we feel more alive, more energized and more connected to everyone around us as we share the joy within. In Winnipeg, Vancouver and Ottawa, Jeremy has led community choirs, drop-in singing events, music retreats, tours, workshops and camps, and has worked as a public school teacher, a television reporter, producer and director, and as an entrepreneur with his own music school. Jeremy is currently the Music Director at UCiM.
Planning Team
Joining Jeremy in the planning of the week are Caryn Douglas (Minister at the United Church in Meadowood), Karen Tjaden, and Lynda Trono. They are experienced educators, skilled at facilitating the integration of thought, heart and action. Singing is one way they practice their commitment to right relationship with all of God’s creation.
Caryn Douglas
Over more than 40 years of ministry Caryn has worked with people to deepen their spirituality through imagination and creative expression informed by reflection, then action, which leads to more reflection. She thinks in images and to convey those images she creatively uses words, especially the written word. Caryn likes to be playful and appreciates when others help her to do that. She is currently the minister at the United Church in Meadowood.
Karen Tjaden
Karen Tjaden is a diaconal minister living in rural Manitoba, with decades of experience in community ministry and a passion for climate justice. She has provided leadership for “Wild Church”, a worldwide movement exploring spiritual practices outdoors. She enjoys singing, gardening, camping, kayaking, skiing, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Karen is committed to encouraging and equipping people for life giving service that doesn’t cost the earth or individuals but rather builds creative, regenerative, sustainable and thriving communities!
Lynda Trono
Lynda Trono is a Winnipeg Grandma (and a Raging Granny) who is devoting much of her retirement time and energy to climate activism. Singing is part of that activism! As a diaconal minister in the United Church, she has had many years of working in community and facilitating groups.
