The elemental orchestra has its beginnings in my work with Alzheimer's groups in the CATA Art Cart program. Vowel sounds became a natural sing-along part to songs I've written and I called our group singing the "Oh Orchestra." Participants ran the gamut from Bette, who repeated the sound of 'oh' as a whisper to John, who made his sound as a large spiral gesture. The true meaning of dynamics is present when all are invited to make their elemental sound.

In 2004 I created a performance that was a celebration of the Housatonic River's east and west branches joining in Pittsfield, Massachusetts called 'RiverMASS.' The confluence is a 'Y' shape and I found y-shaped tree branches to make into jimmy-jangles and rhythm instruments. The audience was invited to make its rhythms with these branches and other percussion instruments in a procession for RiverMASS. Rhythm is the basis of the elemental orchestra.

What about the elements?
Earth, wind, air and fire were the basis of a workshop I led called 'Writing Songs of Peace.' We explored the rhythm of each element and wrote songs from conversations with the elements. Call and response, imitation, repetition and invocation are all a part of the exploration.

The elements have been called the 'hormones of the imagination' by Gaston Bachelard and are living pathways to connection with mind and spirit.
Lately I've been listening to Glen Velez's "Rhythms of the Chakras" and improvising with my own elemental orchestra sounds that his rhythms suggest.
http://www.glenvelez.com/Marketplace_CDs.html

"Sounding Mohican Pathways," a walking tour of Mohican sites that I lead in Stockbridge MA, is a wonderful opportunity to be 'in our element' as we are mindful of the land, river and historical sites.
I created this interactive tour with Tammis Coffin, then director of education at the Mission House.