Sacred Sounds CIC - Tracey West and Mark Barfoot
Our company provides an affordable, inclusive, and holistic health and well-being program that prioritises the exploration of sound healing and relaxation techniques, the development of music-making and listening skills, the creation of safe spaces for personal growth, and opportunities to participate in inspiring creative workshops and sessions. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve. Regardless of their background, everyone should have access to innovative holistic arts, health, and well-being programs that empower and raise aspirations for participants. We are committed to promoting social inclusion by removing barriers to accessing these activities and providing opportunities to develop skills in mindfulness, stress reduction, and relaxation for personal growth. We celebrate the community's achievements through sound healing events and music performances that boost confidence and improve communication skills. We also prioritise promoting good physical health through activities that enhance mobility and coordination and build strength and stamina. Our company is dedicated to creating volunteering opportunities and developing collaborative working methods. We can create a stronger, more resilient community by fostering connections between community partners. At our core, we believe in the power of holistic health and well-being programs to improve the lives of individuals and communities. We are committed to providing affordable, innovative, and inclusive programs that prioritise the needs of those we serve. The benefits of Sound healing and Music are;
Increasing levels of physical strength and energy,
Deep relaxation
Reductions of stress and anxiety,
Acceleration of physical, emotional and spiritual healing processes,
Awakening of inner beliefs systems,
Development of intuition
Deepens life force energy for creativity and earthly actions,
Gong Bathing takes place in the beautiful and accessible
Eagle Building,
High Street East,
SR12AX
Free Parking
Space 17
Tracey West
As an inclusive somatic movement and gong practitioner, I prioritise the interconnection between mind, body, and healing. My background at The Laban Centre for Movement and Dance (1989-91) and the College of Sound Healing with Sheila Whittaker (2015) informs my approach to movement and sound as powerful tools for transformation and healing. Everyone has the innate capacity for self-healing and growth; my practice is grounded in this belief. My work aims to contribute to more significant healing and transformation in our communities and beyond. Through my work, I have explored how to experience energy bodies through movement with the physical body, greatly influencing my approach to improvisation and community practice. I have also developed techniques to channel energy through the body with breath, music, and gong bathing to facilitate healing through movement. I am pursuing a PhD in Dance at the University of Bedfordshire, where my research focuses on lived experiences of gong bathing. In addition to my role as Co-director of Sacred Sounds, I am a Co-Director of Braena CIC and Sunshine Cooperative, based in Sunderland. My experiences in motherhood continue to influence my life and practice. Over time, I have created a series of moving, improvised portraits and collaborations related to pregnancy, birthing, and motherhood. Through this work, I discovered my need to embrace stillness, deepen my breath, and connect to my voice and the power of sound healing. Forever curious and playful, it has opened doors to love that I never knew existed. I have found a way to balance my responsibilities as a Movement artist and Gong practitioner with parenthood through family support, dedication, discipline, and hard work. Mark Barfoot
As a musician and educator with over 20 years of experience, I have devoted myself to the art of West African drumming and playing the handpan. My passion for West African drumming began through a community drumming group called "Drummed Up", which I helped to found in 2001. My experiences expanded greatly through my travels in West Africa – to Senegal, twice to Guinea and Gambia. Since then, I have been dedicated to learning, performing, and teaching others about these beautiful and rich musical traditions. In 2020, I acquired my first of 3 handpans. These beautiful sound sculptures enable me to create melodies and harmonies and approach music rhythmically. I use them to compose new music both on my own and working with other musicians. I work very closely with my partner Tracey West, a Dance Artist and Gong practitioner, and we co-direct Sacred Sounds CIC. Together we offer a wide range of workshops and classes for all abilities, including West African drumming, dance and somatic movement with live music, sound healing and gong bathing. Currently, I am collaborating with Kenyan musician Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno, a multi-instrumentalist whose primary instrument is the eight-string lyre called the Nyatiti. Our music comprises Nyatiti, handpans, djembe, and vocal harmonies, and it has been an inspiring and satisfying process to work with Rapasa. We aim to offer performances and workshops shortly. I also play with the band 'Live Rhythms', who play for dancers participating in 5 rhythms movement practice. The band comprises percussion, piano and keyboards, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, and cello. In my teaching, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that allows students to develop their skills and connect to their creativity. Music has the power to bring people together, and I am committed to helping students of all backgrounds and abilities discover the joy and beauty of West African drumming. My approach to teaching is grounded in the deep cultural roots of these instruments, and I work to impart technical and cultural knowledge to my students. It is essential to understand the history and cultural significance of the music we play and the technical skills necessary to play it with precision and feel. Through my teaching, I aim to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers to discover the beauty and power of West African drumming and the handpan. These instruments have brought so much joy and meaning to my life; I am honoured to share them with others.
