Lift your voice and spirit at World Singing Day on Oct. 19

Hudson Community Choruses welcomes the community to join in the area’s first World Singing Day on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 2-3 p.m. on the Hudson First & Main Green. This is a free event supported through a grant from the Hudson Community Foundation.

World Singing Day is a global sing-along held annually on the third Saturday in October. The event is not religious or political and does not promote any one country or culture. Rather, it encourages people to put aside their differences and celebrate what we share as human beings. Founded in 2012 by Colorado musician Scott Johnson, World Singing Day brings people together in their communities all around the world through the simple act of singing in unison.

“World Singing Day gives those of us who sing regularly the opportunity to share the pure joy of singing with others through the international language of music,” said HCC Artistic Director Dr. Jon Peterson. “We are excited to celebrate it for the first time in Hudson and join with people across the country and the world to sing together for the fun of it.”  

Musicians and non-musicians, shower singers, children and adults, can come together at the First & Main Green and sing without the pressure of a performance. There are no rehearsals, and this is not a competition. Everyone can join in to sing a variety of songs of all genres of popular music from a play list developed by an international team and local groups. Lyric sheets will be provided, and the singing will be led by Peterson and HCC’s Youth and Children’s Director Angela Perrine.

This year’s World Singing Day will highlight the importance of mental and physical health. Studies have shown that feelings of depression and loneliness lessen when singing with others. Endorphins, a hormone that is released by singing, is associated with feelings of pleasure. Oxytocin is also released while singing, which can alleviate anxiety and stress and enhances feelings of trust and bonding. 

In addition to being fun, research shows that singing improves the quality of life while bringing people together in a shared experience.  According to a recent study published in Prevention magazine, singing improves overall immunity because it lowers the stress hormone cortisol. It can also lower your heart rate.  

In addition to the choruses, community groups including the Hudson Landsberg Committee, State of Mind Hudson and area schools will be invited to participate in the day.  There is no cost and no need to register. For more information, go to hudsonsings.org or worldsingingday.org. ∞