This Independence Day weekend, celebrate the music that helped shape U.S. history.
On Sunday, July 5, theÌęÌęâ a joint venture between the University Libraries and the College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder â presents its ninth Great American Sing-Along. If youâve never been to the event, AMRC director Tom Riis says itâs just what it sounds like. âWe vary the theme from year to year, but itâs always about tradition, community life and personalÌęparticipation.â
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. âItâs multi-generational and family-oriented,â says Riis. âChildren can bring their parents and grandparents and have a great time in a cool and comfortable setting.â
There are health benefits, to boot. âSinging isnât merely funâitâs good for you!â continues Riis. âBy 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.
âAnd if we can provide a short history lesson about the power and variety of American songs through time, thatâs just another side benefit,â he adds.
While volunteer singers on stage will provide back-up for the crowd, Riis says itâs all about audience participation. âAs the lottery ads say, âYou can't win if you donât play.â My version of that slogan for the Great American Sing-AlongÌęis, âYou can't get the most outÌęof the music unless you participate.ââ
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