Calling for a Flash Mob

published December 30, 2010

in the Stockton Sentinel,

Stockton, Kansas

     Have you caught the wave this holiday season of "flash mob performers" who suddenly burst out in song in shopping malls and among other unsuspecting crowds? It's been referred to as a "Random Act of Culture" and has taken YouTube by storm with millions of viewers.
     The first flash mob performance I watched on YouTube was the Opera Company of Philadelphia whose 650 singers scattered themselves throughout a Macy's store in Philadelphia and burst into singing Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus," led by the mighty Wanamaker pipe organ, one of the largest organs in the world. While watching this recording for the first time, I set an all-time personal best for most consecutive minutes of goosebumps.
     Since that impromptu concert went viral on the web, other areas of the country have boasted their own random acts of musical outbursts that would have even George Frideric Handel himself standing in awe. In stores, malls, airports, subways and just about any place where crowds normally gather in cities such as Dallas, Orlando, Sioux Falls, Sacramento and Kansas City, flash mobs have kicked Handel's famous chorus into overdrive during this holiday season.
     One mall in California had to be evacuated because the second-floor food court became overpopulated. Undaunted from their purpose, the group of more than 4,000 singers took their performance outside and made Handel proud.
     When I was home for Christmas in Goessel, my parents told me that the Bethel College Choir had done their own impromptu performance in the Walmart in Newton.
     The really impressive thing about these flash mobs singing the "Hallelujah Chorus" or other Christmas carols is that the news has not been filled with attempts to get the movement stopped. On the contrary, the Internet is filled with positive outpourings of support and amazement. If you take the time to watch the YouTube video clips, those shoppers not singing appear to be awestruck and appreciative. That in itself is newsworthy.
     If you are needing some inspiration or just want to extend your holiday spirit, go to YouTube and search for "flash mob Hallelujah." I guarantee you'll be inspired and overcome by goosebumps.
     And then, let's make plans for a flash mob of our own -- in Websters, or the intersection of Highways 183 and 24, or the next home basketball game. Just name the place, and I'll be there!