There was a time in this country when Americans sang openly and freely in public. Singing wasn't just limited to elementary schools or 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, singing enjoyed a place everywhere from trains to dinner parties. 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 public 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:
- "How Communal Singing Disappeared from American Life" (Atlantic)
- "How to Sing in Public and Survive" (Chicago Tribune)
- "The New Rules of Singing in Public" (Los Angeles Magazine)
- "Raising Your Voice in Public at Community Sings" (Star Tribune)
- "Accidentally Singing in Public: Embarrassing or Endearing?"(Entertainment Weekly)
- "Shared Song, Communal Memory" (New York Times)
Note: You will have the opportunity for up to 5 extra credit points if you sing a verse or two of a song in front of the class.
Requirements:
- Must be in MLA Style
- Must be two full pages in length
- Must include a works cited page
Due: Th 8.27
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