Thanks to social media, the nightly 7 pm New York City cheer #ClapBecauseWeCare for health care and other workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic is attracting a national audience. Two post-cheer events are planned for coast-to-coast participation on Thursday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 29, each immediately following the cheer.
This Thursday evening the volunteer community Peace of Heart Choir is leading a sing-a-long of “Lean on Me,” a tribute to coronavirus victim Bill Withers, the three-time Grammy Award winner who had a top hit with the song and who recently passed away at age 81. At the inaugural launch of the Choir’s sing-along last week, organizers noticed that people around the country were participating. As a result this week’s post-cheer chorus becomes an official national event. The sing-along begins at 7:02 pm; to synchronize, local radio station WBAI will broadcast the track on 99.5 FM and on its website; it will also be live-streamed on the Choir’s Facebook page.
On Wednesday, April 29, directly following the cheer at 7 pm, a newly composed symphonic fanfare called “For Our Courageous Workers” will be played by over 1,000 musicians, with the score especially arranged for the occasion. There are parts for musicians and participants of all kinds, including beginners, young musicians, amateurs and professionals—on voices, strings, brass, winds, keyboards and drums. There are also parts for those who prefer to bang on pots and pans or “just make a general racket” and who wish to join in the event.
“For Our Courageous Workers” was composed by Frank London (of The Klezmatics), and Hajnal Pivnick and Dorian Wallace (of Tenth Intervention). Co-sponsors to date include The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Make Music New York and HONK NYC, with more to come.
For more information, detailed instructions and a downloadable score that does not require the ability to read music, go to http://www.tenthintervention.com/workers
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