A few weeks ago, on a Monday night, my husband, son, sister, and I were settled into our seats at the first Northwestern basketball game of the season.
Like at all sporting events, the whole stadium was invited to stand and listen to the National Anthem before tipoff.
I say invited to listen because I’ve realized, with growing frustration, that people no longer sing the National Anthem together. It has become a performance. A soloist steps up to showcase their vocal acrobatics while the rest of us stand silently, hands over hearts, listening.
First of all, I long for someone every once in a while to just sing the melody as written—no riffs, no runs.
But even more than that, I long for the crowd to sing. For all the voices gathered, imperfect and ordinary, to join together and sing OUR anthem—words that symbolize resilience, courage, and a shared hope for something better.
Because something powerful happens when we use our voices together.
When groups of people participate in reciting the same words, singing the same song, or even tapping a pencil in time—there’s this amazing, unseen thing happening underneath: we begin to sync up.
And when people feel in sync, they trust each other more. They feel more connected to the person standing next to them, even if they never exchange a single word.
The scientific term for this syncing is entrainment. All living beings are wired for it. Put two pendulum clocks on the same wall and, eventually, their swings fall into rhythm. Our bodies and minds do something similar.
The writer Ursula Le Guin talks about this in her essay, “Telling Is Listening.” She describes communication not as a one-way transfer of information, but as a continuous exchange—speaking and listening happening at the same time, pulling us into rhythm with each other.
Of course, that doesn’t mean communication is easy. Le Guin points out that every time we speak, we take a risk. We might be understood…or misunderstood. Even the warmest intention, she says, “can be met with frost.”
And yet we keep trying, because speech and song and story have the power to transform us—and transform one another.
Which brings me back to that stadium.
I have a feeling that these days a lot of people might feel awkward actually singing the National Anthem with strangers. Do young people even know the words beyond, “Oh, say can you see?”
Not to mention, it takes courage to open your mouth and let sound come out when you’re used to blending into the crowd.
But as vulnerable as it feels, that is also where the magic lives.
When we let our guard down and let our voices emerge from our bodies and souls—not as a polished solo, but as part of a very human, slightly off-key chorus—we create the conditions for love, belonging, and genuine inclusion. We remember, in a very physical way, that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
And if that is something you are craving too, I have an invitation for YOU!
On Sunday, December 7, we’re gathering at Bethel UCC in Elmhurst for an unforgettable community music experience: a live, in-person, re-enactment of “We Are the World.” Everyone’s invited to sing!
The year 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of this legendary song, an anthem of unity, hope, and shared humanity. To celebrate, we’re bringing together singers from across the community—soloists and choir voices alike—backed by a live band.
Under the direction of my husband Bill and me, we’ll raise our voices in harmony, echoing the spirit of the original 1985 USA for Africa recording and reminding ourselves of the extraordinary power of music to inspire, unite, and uplift.
We’ll rehearse, record, and then share a meal together. If you’d prefer, you are just as welcome to come listen, witness the live recording, and share a meal. But, honestly, anyone who wants to be a part of this is welcome!
This is more than a concert—it is a moment to stand together. In a time when so much around us feels divided, gathering to sing is a powerful reminder of what we still share. Register here. I hope you’ll join us!
Warmly,
Jenny
Event Details: Sunday, December 7 | 4–7 PM Bethel UCC, 315 E. St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst, IL
Questions? Email me at jenny@jennyriddle.com
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