Creating Chants Together
A Group Method
Chant—the heart’s expression of love for God—is an ancient practice found worldwide. It is done in many different musical and ethnic styles. Groups create chants together in a variety of ways. Here is a method that participants at a summer retreat in British Columbia used. After you try this for a while, you will probably come up with other ways to create chants together.
Remember, chant is not a musical performance. It’s heartfelt prayer and meditation. So don’t worry about what your voice sounds like. If you are breathing, you have the ability to chant. Enjoy!
Remember, chant is not a musical performance. It’s heartfelt prayer and meditation. So don’t worry about what your voice sounds like. If you are breathing, you have the ability to chant. Enjoy!
- Choose an intention or purpose for your chant such as healing, praise of God, gratitude, or helping others.
- Choose a short sacred phrase that matches your purpose (There is a selection of Starter Phrases at www.bahaichant.org)
- Speak the phrase together, over and over, until a rhythm is established that fits the words. Try to emphasize the words that will help the meaning of the text be more clearly understood. Clapping along may help.
- Now chant the phrase, over and over, on one note, keeping the rhythm you have established.
- Next, begin to improvise melodies or harmonies that come to you. One or two people might add a simple melody. Others may come in with additional improvisations and harmonies. Some may simply continue singing the original tone.
- Continue to chant for a while, until the music and words settle into your hearts. There will come a time when the chanting feels unified and full. And also another time when it seems time to end. Let this happen naturally.