World Singing Day Goes Digital
World Singing Day is the global sing-along held annually on the third Saturday in October and will occur this year on October 17. Billed as “a catalyst for positive human connection,” the event provides an opportunity to celebrate “our global family through the international language of music.”
The day was founded in 2012 by Scott Johnson, a musician based in Colorado, to bring together communities by harnessing the power of music. As a part of its mission, World Signing Day encourages people to “put aside their differences and celebrate what we all share as human beings.” Open to everyone regardless of age or ability, the event is designed for everyone, from shower singers to celebrities. “I wanted to create an event where everyone was invited, no matter your background, ability, or where you lived on the planet. World Singing Day is not a performance or competition but rather a community-building experience on a global scale,” says Johnson.
Understandably, the 9th installment of the event will look a bit different in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson is committed to ensuring safe participation in World Singing Day by bringing the global singing party online. Programs for this year’s event include a diverse array of adaptable events to accommodate the unique circumstances that surround 2020.
“To Me, A Wonderful World Looks Like…” asks contributors to finish the statement “To me, a wonderful world looks like” in a short video (https://worldsingingday.org/to-me-a-wonderful-world-looks-like-2/) and submit videos of themselves singing “What a Wonderful World” by October 24 to appear in the organization’s video montage (https://worldsingingday.org/song-of-the-year/).
“Around the Word in 80 Songs” utilizes short videos of participants singing in every time zone around the world in the days leading up to World Singing Day (https://worldsingingday.org/around-the-world/).
The World Singing Day theme song, “Till The Whole World Sings” is simple and easy to learn and can be sung by people of all ages and in different languages. Contributions will premier in a global montage video (https://worldsingingday.org/theme-song/).
“Sing it Forward” On World Singing Day, participants are encouraged to sing a line or chorus to their favorite song and share on social media while tagging friends with the challenge to #singitforward.
Johnson encourages anyone interested in getting involved in World Singing Day to visit their website, https://worldsingingday.org/sing/, for more information about this year’s event and to get out there and sing this October.