Unity Through Music During Isolation

Residents of Fulton Street in Berkeley, California sing together while social distancing (Photo by Aric Crabb).

SANTA CLARITA, CA - Stay-At-Home orders have sparked creativity in Californians, who are connecting with their neighbors to raise spirits during the time of a pandemic. Communities across the state have bonded through singing, dancing, and playing music together.

As many know COVID-19 - or the more commonly called "coronavirus" - began in December of 2019 due to an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Since then the virus has rapidly spread across the globe and has created a worldwide pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently puts the number of globally confirmed cases at nearly three million. Of those infected, almost two hundred thousand have resulted in death.

With the numbers rising national, state, and local governments have all implemented special guidelines for citizens to follow during this time of crisis. Most across the United States, if not the whole world, have created Stay-At-Home orders asking people to stay inside as an effort to prevent spreading of the virus.

California is included among the states asked to keep their residents in their homes, leaving many worried about their family's health and financial futures. Among these worries are feelings of seclusion and boredom.

In order to tackle these feelings that isolation brings, some are turning to music for help. Those that were not previously close with their neighbors have now found a great way to strengthen their relationship.

One neighborhood in Berkeley, California took to the street last month to display their love for baseball. One woman, named Lisa Bullwinkel led several of her neighbors down the road while they sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" accompanied by a tambourine.

March 26th would have been opening day for Major League Baseball's 2020 season but has been brought to a standstill, like all other sports in the nation. These Bay Area fans decided to show their support for the game and their solidarity as a community through singing its official anthem.

Dancing has been another form of expression that many have resorted to. San Jose resident Shelly Glennon began inviting her neighbors to their driveways daily for a 3:30 p.m. dance party.

One of Glennon's neighbors added to the fun by bringing out his sound system for the music. Both hope to spread dance moves throughout the city.

Neighbors of all ages bust a move in a San Jose, California neighborhood (Photo by Karl Mondon).

Those with more expertise in the realm of music have found other ways to add to the enjoyment. Heading down the Golden Coast to Orange County, one musician in San Clemente lent hands and a voice to her community.

Lark Knowles is a dueling pianist, so she knows how to get and keep a crowd's attention. She used her skills to put on a performance for her neighbors, which allowed them to congregate and enjoy the show while staying at a safe distance.

These examples of people banding together during a difficult time shows the strength and ingenuity of humankind. They also show the amazing effect that music can have on bringing everyone together.

The California Stay-At-Home order which began on March 19th is expected to end on May 15th. In the mean time, those who are stuck indoors are continuing to find impressive ways to stay in touch with each other.