Birch Tree Folk Choir is coming to Bath
A new kind of choir is arriving in Bath in January. Run by trained singer and
counsellor Emily Heuvel, Birch Tree Folk Choir uses folk music to reconnect
with a sense of self, body, and community; while simultaneously working to
realign the nervous system and reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
Emily popped in to The Piano Shop in Bath for a cup of tea and a chat with
Jon.
Emily says:
“In my work as a counsellor I see a lot of people who feel disconnected in one
way or another. I wanted to build something that would embed a sense of
connection, which is why the choir is folk music based – for me folk music
offers a unique way of getting back in touch with who we are and where we
have come from. Particularly when the music means something to you – if it
has come out of your community, or is from where your parents or
grandparents are from – it invites you to take up your place in a line of people
who have sung these songs before you; a line that stretches back as far as
people do.
I’m also really interested in working with breath and the voice to realign the
nervous system. So many health and mental health issues stem from the fact
that our bodies are not designed to cope with the continuous stress that our
modern lives often present. Birch Tree Folk Choir uses specific breathing and
singing exercises and techniques to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous
system – allowing the body a chance to heal the physical and psychological
impact of this ongoing stress.”
Birch Tree Folk Choir will run every Tuesday during term time from 7 –
8.30pm at The Friends Meeting House on York St, beginning Tuesday 8th
January. For more information, to join the mailing list and to book your place
visit www.birchtreechoir.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and
spread the word to friends and family – it would be wonderful to see you
there!