Sing With Me: An analysis and Live Performance of Songs that Facilitate Audience Participation

Abstract

This creative project analyzes various methods used to engage audiences, including the age-old tradition of call and response, storytelling through parables found within the scriptures of the Bible, and sing-along strategies commonly found in many children’s songs. This analysis also includes a live performance of selected songs to demonstrate and explore avenues of musical leadership that create connection and fulfillment between community participants. The conclusion of this study is that the songs and tools engaged within the Celebrate Antioch event increased group interaction, connection, and enjoyment for all involved. Following post-Covid lockdowns and social isolation, many communities crave these basic needs of human experiences that our event provided. My hope is that this project inspires others to create opportunities like this one for their own communities.