Registration is now open for “Winter Wassail”, and spaces are limited.
The holiday season can feel busy, disconnected and commercial. This November and December, Muskoka Community Sing invites local singers to shift gears, slow down and connect in “Winter Wassail”, a weekly session of festive group singing focused on the old English tradition, “wassailing”.
Wassailing is an old traditional custom where groups sing, typically around a bowl of warm spiced drink, during midwinter. Songs touch upon the Christmas story, and often bless the orchards for a healthy apple harvest. Led by local professional musician, Hannah Shira Naiman, participants will learn simple harmonies to a variety of seasonal, joyful, and occasionally boisterous songs, stemming from the old tradition.
Muskoka Community Sing is a relatively new program in the area, running since February 2026. The group’s mandate is to facilitate communities singing together in harmony, simply for the joy it brings. Song leader Hannah Shira Naiman is known for her warm, inclusive and enthusiastic community approach to singing. She creates a low-pressure environment for singers to learn by ear and experience the pleasure of singing with others without the pressure of performance. Repertoire is drawn from a variety of folk traditions.
Songs will be learned by ear and broken down into simple harmony parts, with written music provided for those who prefer to read along. No previous choral experience is necessary. Just bring yourself, your voice, and your willingness to connect with their community.
Past participants describe their experience as both accessible and transformative:
“Hannah teaches a fun, low-pressure class where you just listen and sing and enjoy your voice”, “I’ve never sung in public before… I was intimidated, but I signed up regardless. Hannah made all of us comfortable. Singing with others has been a joyous addition to my life.”
This unique session culminates in a festive wassail celebration at Canvas Brewing on December 14th at 6pm. Participants will sing the songs they have learned around a warm wassail bowl, and potluck treats! Community members are welcome to attend, free of charge.
Dates: Mondays, November 9 – December 14, 2026 (6 weeks)
Time: 5 – 7pm
Place: Muskoka Music Centre
Cost: Sliding Scale $105-$135
Registration: by etransfer hannahshiranaiman@gmail.com
More information: hannahshiranaiman.com/community-sing
Note: This program is intended for adults, however if your child wishes to join, they are welcome with a registered adult. Children may also attend if childcare is an issue
Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged.
