Singing Holidays
‘Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated’ – Terry Tempest Williams
We are planning two of these events in 2021 – One in July and another in August, click here for more info.
Each day begins with a morning’s singing in the large sunny singing room, with its beautiful acoustic and views out onto Muckish Mountain. By the end of the week you will find yourself rested, rejuvenated and restored to your centred & grounded self, with a repertoire of up to 12 harmony songs – and that’s just the beginning…
Our repertoire will be wide and varied. We normally have one or two songs that challenge us, including an original song specially arranged by Candy, then a mixture of Irish songs, world music, rounds, and improvisation. By the end of the week you will find yourself singing about twelve songs in harmony.
We also do our best to introduce singers to the rich local Gaelic culture. You may find yourself moved to tears singing in the ruins of Ray church, or listening to a local singer singing in the ancient sean-nós style. You will have the afternoons to explore the beaches, mountains, rivers and historic sites that abound in the area. We also offer guided walks, kayaking, poetry and music evenings.
Perhaps we will even have deepened our appreciation of the land, our place in it, our communities and ourselves.
A wide range of singers come on our holidays: from beginners to experienced and confident singers. Over the week our little community grows and develops, as we cook and eat together each evening, share experiences and sing together. On the last evening we often put on a very informal concert, sharing our songs with friends and neighbours.
Testimonials
"Candy's singing holiday at the Song House has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my adult life, sharing poignant uplifting songs and stories with lovely people, surrounded by natural beauty."
- CG 2019
"Wonderful to bring in authentic local talent. We learned a lot. Loved being part of the creation process of a new song, by a local singer songwriter- ‘Spread your Wings’ "- D 2018
"Gorgeous, welcoming, inclusive, beautiful singing, wonderful views, gorgeous community." - ZG 2018
"J’ai enormement apprecié gue les chansons soient en quelque sorte ‘sur-mesure’ pur le groupe: thématiques, arrangements, une vraie immersion dans le Donegal." MC Paris 2017
"The welcoming environment leads to an easy building of community. A fabulous week! Loved the singing and it's variety." - G 2018
"The singing, the song, the way it is taught without any pressure, but focused.
The harmony in the group! The landscape!!!" - BB 2018
Unique Singing Experience
Each singing holiday is a very special stand alone experience, the music that we make on the singing holiday is of a high quality. We always have at least one song that is either especially composed or arranged for that particular holiday. We work on it and if the song writer is local, which we aim for – we invite them over. It’s a very special occasion as we are working on a completely new piece of music and performing it for the first time, it’s a fantastic musical experience.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Candy Verney
Singing on the Wild Side is the vision of Candy Verney. Candy is a choir director who for the last 20 years has been building communities through song, facilitating thousands to find their voice. When the opportunity of a lifetime came her way, Candy acquired the house. She has since converted it into a comfortable, sustainable and beautiful retreat centre with productive organic gardens. She runs singing holidays and choir leadership trainings there, and it is available for other groups to use too.