What is community singing?

Here are some of the elements that might distinguish ‘community singing’ from other forms of singing:

All voices are welcomed. There is no audition and no hierarchy of voice.

There is generally no paper to look down at. People are learning and remembering through oral tradition. Since written musical notation is not a universal language, this offers access to singing for more people.

People generally stand/sit in a circle. This amplifies the idea of equality and also, since people are not looking down at written music, helps all to see each other and feel seen. In this way we viscerally feel that we are singing for each other.

The singing is not aimed at performance; it’s done for the pleasure of the moment. Though sometimes there is optional, low-stakes performance as in a variety show or community fundraiser.

The songs are easily accessible to anyone. No special education or language of formal music is needed; the songs are short enough for most people’s memories; and the emphasis is on what the collective rather than individual memory can hold.

It’s most often unaccompanied by musical instruments. In this way we can remember that even with just our voices we are strong together.

It’s often intergenerational.

The current community singing world that I know embraces all of the practices above, each in their own locally-grown way.