Reflection 4: Just Sing, Sing a Song—On the Disappearance of Communal Singing

There was a time in this country when Americans sang openly and freely in public. Singing wasn't just limited to elementary schools, churches, or during the holidays, it was a part of everyday American life. When pianos were commonplace in people's homes and families learned the latest songs through sheet music, communal singing enjoyed a place everywhere from public transportation to bars and clubs. But over time, singing in public waned in America. In fact, today singing is largely a spectator sport, left for the pros or, at least, those with a halfway decent voice—try leading a group of people in song at a mall and see how far you get. These days, there are fewer and fewer public spaces left for singing. And when we do sing, alcohol, the so-called "liquid confidence," is often required to induce us. Can public singing in America come back? What are those public spaces where at least some communal singing remains, such as the traditional "Auld Lang Syne" at New Years or the perennial "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at ballpark? Finally, how often, if ever, do you sing in public? If you do sing, why and where? And if you don't, what holds you back?

Include at least three of the following in your discussion:

• "r/LetsTalkAboutMusic: Communal Singing in the Past vs Now" (Reddit)
• "How Communal Singing Disappeared from American Life" (Atlantic)
• "The Secret Weapon That Got Me Singing in Public Without Feeling Self-Conscious" (Singing Insiders)
• "r/singing: Anyone Got Any Embarrassing Stories of You Being Caught Belting Out Singing lol?" (Reddit)
• "The Lost Pleasures of Group Singing" (The Art of Manliness)

Note: You will have the opportunity for up to 5 extra credit points if you sing an entire song during class. 

Required: 

• MLA Style, including works cited
• 500 words (≈2 pages) 

Due: Fri 11.14 (via Canvas)