Denison's 2nd Annual 'Unsilent Night'

Arts at Denison invites ALL Denison students, faculty, staff, families and community to enjoy the 2nd Annual "Unsilent Night." Ring in the holidays in a campus-wide parade of music with a luminous soundscape played by all participants as we walk through campus beginning outside of Denison’s Curtis Dining Hall (350 Sunset Hill) and ending at Swasey Chapel (200 Chapel Drive), where we will be greeted with hot beverages and cookies! 

What is "Unsilent Night?"

"Unsilent Night" is an original composition by Phil Kline, written specifically to be heard – and presented - outdoors in the month of December. It takes the form of a street promenade in which the audience becomes the performer.

"Unsilent Night" is both a community musical experience and an inspiring energy release, a gorgeous and captivating holiday event to warm hearts and calm minds during the stress of the season (and the end of the semester!).

A luminous soundscape played by the audience through city streets... since 1992. From New York to San Francisco and Brussels to Saskatoon. And now, at Denison!

How Can I Participate?

You do not need to be a musician to join in the joy of bringing this beautiful holiday experience to campus! All you need is a mobile phone (if possible, paired with a Bluetooth speaker), warm clothes, and good walking shoes.

How It Works

Each participant downloads one of four randomly selected tracks of Kline’s music (links below). Together all four tracks comprise "Unsilent Night." The fact that the participants play different "parts" simultaneously helps create the special sound of the piece. Participants carry cell phones (and perhaps a Bluetooth speaker) and on cue, simultaneously start playing the music. The group then walks a route through campus, creating a unique mobile sound sculpture which is different from every listener's perspective.

How Do I Download the Music?

Click http://unsilentnight.com/participate.html for participant's page and to download music.

Check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-ZNEwS8QG4&feature=youtu.be

Fun Quotes on "Unsilent Night"

“Over the course of 45 minutes, chiming and chants bounce off walls and windows transforming the coldest urban area with the warmth of musical fellowship.” (NPR)

“Kline’s luminous, shimmering wash of bell tones is one of the loveliest communal new-music experiences you'll ever encounter, and it's never the same twice.” (Time Out New York)

“...immerses the listener in suspended wonderment, as if time itself had paused inside a string of jingle bells.” (The New York Times)