Celebrate our musical heritage at the Great American Sing-Along
On Sunday, July 5, the American Music Research Center presents its ninth Great American Sing-Along at Westview Presbyterian Church in Longmont.
This Independence Day weekend, celebrate the music that helped shape U.S. history.
On Sunday, July 5, the 鈥 a joint venture between the University Libraries and the College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder 鈥 presents its ninth Great American Sing-Along. If you鈥檝e never been to the event, AMRC director Tom Riis says it鈥檚 just what it sounds like. 鈥淲e vary the theme from year to year, but it鈥檚 always about tradition, community life and personal participation.鈥
For the first time in several years, the sing-along will be held off campus at Westview Presbyterian Church in Longmont. Choral conductor Jason St. Claire returns for his second year to lead the crowd and backup chorus. St. Claire, a College of Music doctoral student in choral studies, may even join in the singing.
For all ages, the sing-along illuminates American history through music. 鈥淚t鈥檚 multi-generational and family-oriented,鈥 says Riis. 鈥淐hildren can bring their parents and grandparents and have a great time in a cool and comfortable setting.鈥
There are health benefits, to boot. 鈥淪inging isn鈥檛 merely fun鈥攊t鈥檚 good for you!鈥 continues Riis. 鈥淏y just standing up and stretching your shoulders, arms, mouth, ears, brows and vocal chords, your overall health and mood are improved. Your blood flow increases. Your heart beats faster.
鈥淎nd if we can provide a short history lesson about the power and variety of American songs through time, that鈥檚 just another side benefit,鈥 he adds.
While volunteer singers on stage will provide back-up for the crowd, Riis says it鈥檚 all about audience participation. 鈥淎s the lottery ads say, 鈥榊ou can't win if you don鈥檛 play.鈥 My version of that slogan for the Great American Sing-Along is, 鈥榊ou can't get the most out of the music unless you participate.鈥欌
A pianist will accompany the singers, and the lyrics of each song will be projected for the audience to follow along. Free lemonade will be served. For more information, visit .
American Music Research Center's Great American Sing-Along
When: Sunday, July 5, 2015, 3 p.m.
Where: Westview Presbyterian Church, 1500 Hoover Street, Longmont
Tickets: Free and open to the public