We made this video in memory of Jan Banks. Jan was a warm-hearted soul who with persistence and patience brought us to perform at her Church’s concert series, Music on High in Suffield, CT in 2016. She welcomed us with there with incredible enthusiasm.
Lynn and Will were delighted to see her the following spring along with her daughters Anne and Deb and her grandchild Sarah at the annual gathering we attend, Rites of Spring. Jan came to Lynn and Will’s workshop on Lithuanian Sutartinės (an ancient cyclical chant style) and had a great time.
When Jan passed away this fall, Deb told us that Jan had asked for there to be Sutartinės at her funeral. Although we were not available to attend the funeral, we paused in the redwood forest in Northern California to record this video. We adapted this mourning sutartinė Išjoj Brolis (brother rode out) to the more appropriate Išjoj Motė (mother rode out).
We remember her enthusiasm, her kindness, and her warmth of spirit.
