Huh? What’s this? Well, this is a composition that was performed recently by our local symphony and chorus. The piece was written by Eric Whitaker, an American composer, for the band at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas after he had graduated and while he was attending the Juilliard School.

It is a campy creation of original music combined with some well-known Vegas music and a vocal component consisting of “Oooo’s”, “Ahhhhh’s”, a very few words and some screams. Well, Godzilla is stomping on some famous Las Vegas venues! To say that the audience loved it would be a gross understatement. They were delighted!

Whitaker’s resume and credits are quite impressive. However, I was struck by one project in particular: The Virtual Choir. Here’s how it is described, on Whitacre’s website: “a global phenomenon, creating a user-generated choir that brings together singers from around the world and their love of music in a new way through the use of technology.”
Singers from around the globe perform using words, sounds and actions (snapping fingers, clapping hands, etc.) and the technology of today to create beautiful unifying music and harmony. People of all ages, abilities, religions, countries and social status come together without judgements or criticisms to bring the sounds of joy to everyone. To bring love to everyone.

How wonderful! What a perfect use for social media, to pull together rather than pull apart God’s people. I know that our God who loves all His children with an unconditional love is smiling broadly at the thought that we could become a part of a Virtual Choir, working as friends and spreading His love and nonjudgmental acceptance throughout the world. Helping all people to live in harmony with each other and the physical world.
I truly believe that this the goal that God has set for humankind. (John 13:34 “A new commandment I have given you. Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another.”)

Terri