In my last blog post I wrote about the joy of singing and how it nurtures the soul. Then, I came across Scott’s post and asked him if I could share it here because it not only refers to the joy of singing, but to the concept of stepping out and doing something you enjoy even if, when you were younger, you were told you weren’t so good at.
So thanks a million to guest blogger, Scott Johnson.
I hear it all the time when I tell people about World Singing Day: “You don’t want me to sing. I’ll scare everybody away,” they say with a sheepish smile.
And I reply “You’re exactly the person we want singing with us on World Singing Day. If you can speak, you can sing.”
It’s time we embrace singing as a universal human activity – a joyful experience for everyone, regardless of talent, experience or ability.
Many people who say they can’t sing often had a friend, parent or teacher say something derogatory about their singing when they were young. And then out of embarrassment or shame, they simply stopped singing.
World Singing Day addresses those fears and concerns by providing a safe, inviting environment – a participatory experience for people of all singing abilities, where everyone is welcomed. It’s not about performing or competing but rather bringing people together for, as one participant said, “one of the most life-affirming experiences I have ever had.”
World Singing Day participants sing along to the recordings of popular songs played loud enough where individual voices aren’t necessarily heard, but where the group as a whole can be heard loud and clear.
“We humans are hard-wired to sing,” says singing guru Deke Sharon. “Throughout history, singing has been fundamental to the human experience, with people feeling a powerful connection to others through song.”
Think of our ancient ancestors sitting around the fire and singing together. Everyone sang. Not just a select few. And this ancestral activity of communal singing is becoming a singing revolution of sorts, with groups springing up all over the world, from Australia and the United Kingdom to Belgium, Israel and the USA.
So you think you can’t sing?
Well I’m here to tell you, yes you can. And each year on the third Saturday in October, people of all singing abilities around the world will be joining others in their communities for the pure joy and camaraderie of singing together. Please join us. Just click here to find out if there’s a group singing near you.. Or, consider hosting a sing-along in your community.
Was their a skill or talent you enjoyed in your youth, but you were told you weren’t that good at it? And now, you either excel at it or do it anyway out of sheer joy? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below because I’d love to hear from you. Thanks a million!
About guest blogger Scott Johnson: A Colorado musician, Scott is the founder of World Singing Day, which brings people together in their communities (all around the world) through the simple act of singing together. A global sing-along held annually on the 3rd Saturday in October, this one day each year serves as an opportunity to celebrate our global family through the international language of music.
