Koholā - Circle Sing Utrecht

What is Koholā?
Koholā is a creative vocal platform created by Jeffrey Noordijk and Tim Achthoven.
We believe that improvisation opens up a playful field in which we can allow ourselves to explore by saying 'yes' to our creative ideas that arrise in the moment. By sharing our voices without judgement, we lay the foundation for a deep connection to ourselves and to one another.
Our goal is to create an inclusive community in which we invite everyone who has a passion for singing and co-creating music on the spot . By organizing versatile gatherings, we will dive into the realm of improvisation through all kinds of playful excercises and circle singing.

What is Circle Singing?
To sing in a circle is an ancient ritual of humankind. The circle is a powerful shape in which we connect through singing. In the middle of the circle there is a person who invents parts and offers them to the singers. It's always an exciting experience to be a part of these spontanious compositions. You get to vocalize the imagination of the person in the middle and make it your own. It can be harmonious, lyrical and groovy or it could also be loud, experimantal and a little crazy. Everything can happen in the circle.

Who is leading this Circle Sing gathering?
The gathering will be facilitated by Jeffrey Noordijk and Tim Achthoven. Both are professional and experienced singers / improvisers / facilitators who graduated from the 'All the way in' program, led by the legendary Rhiannon - amongst others known for her book 'Vocal River' and through collaborations with Bobby McFerrin.
Do you also want to experience being in the middle of the circle? Feel free to ask! We would like everyone to be able to have this opportunity.

Who are Jeffrey Noordijk and Tim Achthoven?
Jeffrey Noordijk
Jeffrey Noordijk graduated as a creative and versatile singer from the Utrecht Conservatory in 2015. Throughout his career there’s always been a big fascination for the wondrous and adventurous realm of improvisation. Therefore he sings in a vocal improvisation ensemble based in Cologne, called ‘VokalOrchester NRW’, he works as a teacher at the Utrecht Conservatory (Musician 3.0) and he works as an artistic leader / trainer at ‘Stichting Kobranie’ (a conducted improvisation method).
To dive even deeper into the material, he studied under Rhiannon during her ‘All the way in’ program. This magical experience made even more clear that he wanted to share this work with as many people as possible.

Tim Achthoven
After graduating as a saxophone player from the Jazz & Pop department at the HKU, Tim has been training as a singer. Through vocal improvisation, he felt he could express a lot more and took notice of the power it holds when sharing this with other people. Studying with Rhiannon during “All The Way In”, leading several choirs, orchestras and workshops only empowered this feeling. Now, as a chef in a restaurant and studying “Haptonomie”, he’s always singing and looking for that connection everywhere he goes.

Do I have to be an experienced singer?
Not at all! Everyone is welcome! The only thing we ask is to have an open mind and that you bring your voice.

Host or Publisher Koholā