Imagine having the opportunity to sing together with hundreds of other people while you are at home alone. You can do this in a virtual choir. Virtual choir members record themselves while they perform alone on video. These videos are uploaded onto the Internet, and then they are put together into one video that you can see online—a virtual choir. Anyone can take part in a virtual choir from anywhere—all you need is a video camera and an Internet connection. A virtual choir enables people to add their voices to those of other individuals and become part of the global community. It has proved to be a positive influence on the lives of many people.

The virtual choir was the idea of award-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre. He fell in love with Mozart’s classical music when he sang for the university choir. Moved by this music, he said, “It was like seeing color for the first time.“ Over ten years after his graduation, Whitacre’s original compositions began to become quite popular among choirs and singers. This led to the creation of the virtual choir.

In 2009,Whitacre received a video of a girl who was singing one of his works. Inspired, he asked his fans to make videos, which he then joined together into one performance. His first virtual choir, “Lux Aurumque”, had 198 singers from 12 different countries. It has received millions of views on the Internet. Since then, the virtual choir has become a worldwide phenomenon. Whitacre’s next effort was the virtual Youth Choir for UNICEF, which was first seen on stage on 23 July 2014 in the UK. Altogether, 2,292 young people from 80 countries joined in to sing Whitacre’s song “What If”.

The virtual choir is a wonderful way for people around the world to sing with one voice and thus make the world a better place.

The Best American Cities for Live Music (Besides Nashville)

Nashville isn't the only city in the country with an amazing live -music site. Read on to discover other hot spots that should top your live -music bucket list.

Austin, Texas

With an official motto of "Live Music Capital of the World," it is easy to find more than 100 spots showcasing a wide variety of free live music performances. So make your way to Texas. Hang your cowboy hat and check out The Parish, The Elephant Room,etc. for a truly unforgettable Austin experience.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Prince, Bob Dylan, Lizzo and Husker Du are just some of the great musicians who have called Minnesota their home. One of Prince' s favorite clubs to visit was the Dakota Jazz Club. If your budget is tight, you'll be happy to know that Minneapolis is one of 11 affordable U. S. cities to add to your bucket list.

Asbury Park, New Jersey

Asbury Park has seen a major musical rebirth over the last decade. The Stone Pony has been one of the most popular rock sites in the world since opening its doors in 1974, with Jon Bon Jovi helping to put i ton the map.

Raleigh, North Carolina

With more than 80 live music spots, Raleigh is sure to satisfy any musical desire you have. If dinner and a show is your style, the Irregardless Cafe has been hosting live jazz, not to mention fresh-from-the- farm meals- nightly since 1975. But before you book your ticket, learn how to say“Raleigh" like a local.

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND — Student engagement (参与) is a goal in schools everywhere. A teacher in the Washington suburbs has found a way to engage and motivate students — by ringing rhythm and fun to   mathematics. The approach works well especially for students who speak English as a second language.

Making math fun

The voice heard in the video belongs to mathematics teacher Jake Scott. Most of the performers are his students. “I use rap because it is something that appeals to the students, and also because music aids memory,” Scott explains.

Scott started using rap videos three years ago. So far he has produced nine, including

Scott started using rap videos three years ago. So far he has produced nine, including YouTube favorites Triangle Experts and Quadratic Formulatic, which have been viewed tens of thousands of times. “It is fun and the whole process is something that students appreciate,” Scott says.

Empowering students

Blair High School principal Renay Johnson is a big supporter. She even appears in Scott’s latest video, Undefined Expressions.

“Mr. Scott is very motivating and engaging for students,” Johnson notes. “He enjoys what he does. As you know he engages students and mathematics through music. But he is also our wrestling coach. He also sponsors National Honor Society. And he is also a director of after school sports academy. I am lucky to have him here as a teacher.”

Scott was recognized as an outstanding educator last year by the Montgomery County Council. He was also honored as 2011 teacher of the year by an African-American civil rights organization.

Jake Scott says he wants mathematics to be something that students look forward to learning. And he says the results will help them on a path to college and a career.