Surprise Holiday Singers Spread Holiday Cheer

Posted by Margy Waller on 12/12/09

Cincinnatians surprised visitors when they burst into song at the 64th annual Duke Energy holiday train display Saturday afternoon. Hundreds of people, coordinated by the Fine Arts Fund staff and friends, joined in singing songs of the season.
 

Accompanied by a band of train engineers on harmonicas and one former Cincinnati Symphony clarinetist on his tonette, people from all parts of the metro area and all walks of life came together to share some holiday cheer with the community. One of the train engineers has been working on the train display for 62 years and has assisted with many surprise events, but this was his first flash mob caroling.

“Similar to Cincinnati’s Splash Dance in September, a few people shared an interest in singing together as a surprise. We invited friends, family, and volunteers to share the joy of the season and the vibrancy of our regional holiday events,” said Margy Waller, Vice President at the Fine Arts Fund.

Participants were invited by email to help with the Fine Arts Fund annual campaign for the arts by participating in a surprise community event nicknamed the "Do-Re-Mi". They pledged to keep the secret via an online sign-up form. With no more information than the date and time of the event, over 150 people agreed to participate.

Later, these volunteers and readers of the My.Arts.Blog on the Fine Arts Fund website were invited to vote on their favorite holiday song to sing. Just days before the event, participants received a few details: meet at 4th and Main Streets in Cincinnati and be familiar with the lyrics of the two songs that received the most votes online: Jingle Bells and Winter Wonderland.

On the day of the event, carolers erupted in song filling the lobby of the Duke Energy train display with sounds of the season. Families waiting in line to see the trains joined in for a few moments before returning to holiday activities.

Note: Video of the surprise caroling will be available on our YouTube channel and website shortly.

PHOTO CREDIT - Scott Beseler

 

 

  0 comments