I continue my "coverage," direct from my futon, of people and brands bringing human connection in face of social distancing. As an introvert, I enjoy my alone time but paradoxically, I also appreciate the feeling of a shared experience with other people who have similar interests. I noticed an increasing amount of content that evoked a sense of belonging and togetherness -- even more so compared to pre-COVID-19 times -- where I felt connected with others by a common digital thread, even though we were all physically apart. So today I want to highlight online experiences that instill a sense of community, especially in times we need it most.
River North Gym Live Classes
Under Chicago's shelter-in-place order, all non-essential businesses are temporarily closed, including River North Gym (RNG). As a regular of RNG's group fitness classes, I was bummed that I'd be missing out on classes for several weeks... until I wasn't. I was excited to find out that RNG was holding classes live on Instagram, and I jumped at the chance to join.
Even though I was by myself in my studio, burpeeing and planking and push-uping by myself, I didn't feel like I was taking the class alone. Hearing and seeing my favorite instructors, as well as engaging in the chat with others in the class, made me feel like I was actually "with" them. I felt energized watching my favorite instructors do the workout with us (at which I felt awe in wondering how they can talk and keep up without sounding out of breath) as they encouraged us, counted down the reps, and showed us their usual sense of humor.
"Live classes are something I never explored until now, but I love being able to know there's people watching and following along," said RNG trainer/class instructor Emily Spence (@highbunpartyofone) . She continued, "I don't get to feed off energy which is the HARDEST aspect (ALSO DOING THE DAMN WORKOUT) like I normally would, but I still practice my comedy routines to people who STILL don't talk back to me." Emily, we have always been laughing at your jokes, but you just can't hear us because we're breathing too heavily after your (brutal) workouts!
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Musicians
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra was also affected by COVID-19, and had to cancel their immediately upcoming concerts. But their Instagram accounts (@chicagosymphony and @csomusicians) continued to connect us through music, even more strongly than before.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra account shared a "living room concert" of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a piece that the CSO had been scheduled to perform just a few weeks ago. As I took a front-row seat (along with all the other viewers) to watch Principal Clarinet Stephen Williamson and his family perform a special brass arrangement of the work, I felt the same musical intensity from the video, even without the grand stage and full orchestra.
The CSO Musicians account typically shows behind-the-scenes (or in this case, behind-the-stage) content where followers could get to "know" the musicians on a more personal level. But I thought their recent content in light of social distancing was even more engaging and intimate.
"We know that people are yearning for connection now more than ever. It can be difficult for performers especially, since we rely on connecting with each other and with our audiences on a regular basis. We are trying to create content that sort of fills that void (as much as a zoom-meeting style happy hour is like 'socializing')," said the CSO social media committee.
The account held an Instagram Live session where followers could warm up live with principal horn, David Cooper, and the account even posted accompanying sheet music for fellow horn players to follow along.
I was also touched by a video of violist Diane Mues performing outdoors. I saw attendees in their winter coats, watching from afar all while keeping their social distancing. Despite people being driven physically apart, and despite the frigid temperature outside, they were all coming together to enjoy this special performance.
What new content can we expect from the CSO musicians? The CSO social media committee told me, "We are working on more live q+a’s, conversations, performances, and masterclasses with CSO members in the near future. Also the CSO is made up of musicians that aren’t really used to sitting around and doing nothing! People really like having projects!"
Jimmy Fallon's At-Home Edition Tonight Show & Charities
TV show hosts, unable to broadcast live on set, are delivering their late night show content straight from their homes to YouTube. Lots of organizations need help now more than ever, and Jimmy Fallon -- with his at-home edition of his show -- is leveraging the YouTube platform by giving a shoutout to a different charity each night.
The interviews with his guests add a personal lever towards the causes in need, and the YouTube video page has a donate button right next to the video itself, making it easy for viewers to give in-the-moment. And the real-time counter of the total raised amount adds to the feeling of everyone coming together to give their support.
Past charities have included Save the Children with support from Jennifer Garner, and Broadway Cares with support from Lin-Manuel Miranda. If you want to help out a good cause while being entertained with his also-at-home guests, coupled with an added cuteness dosage of Jimmy's children "helping" with his monologues, I encourage you to check out his at-home edition videos!
Keep an eye out for more upcoming posts from my Virtual Connection during Social Distancing series!
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