2010 WLC FAQ

Q. What is the World’s Largest Concert (WLC)?
A. The World’s Largest Concert® has been the highlight of MIOSM® since 1985, the same year the celebration was extended to last the entire month of March. As a sing-along concert that links students around the world through music, the WLC reaches an estimated 6 million students, teachers, and music supporters each year.

Q. When is the 2010 World’s Largest Concert?
A. The event will be on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Q. How long is the 2010 WLC DVD?
A. The entire program will be approximately 30 minutes.

Q. Will the 2010 WLC be closed captioned?
A. Yes, the concert and most Bonus Features on the DVD are closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Q. What is the theme for the 2010 WLC?
A. The theme for the 2010 WLC will coincide with the MIOSM theme “Music! Just Imagine....” Visit MIOSM Web site for more information.

Q. How is the 2010 WLC different from previous years?
A. The WLC will not be broadcast on television and will only be available on DVD, but students and teachers will be encouraged to participate at the same time on March 11, 2010. It is ultimately up to the teacher to decide when to show the DVD with their students.

Q. When can I purchase my copy of the 2010 WLC DVD?
A. The 2010 WLC DVD will be available for pre-order in fall 2009. Please check the WLC Web site and your member updates for announcements. The DVD will cost $8.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling for MENC members and $15 plus $5 shipping and handling for non-members. DVDs are expected to be shipped mid-February. Your credit card will not be charged until February.

Q. Will the concert be broadcast on PBS stations?
A. No, the 2010 WLC will not be broadcast on PBS. Throughout the years the WLC carriage on PBS stations has declined and production costs have increased, making it more difficult for MENC to broadcast the WLC on television to reach teachers and students in their classrooms. However, MENC will be sending the WLC DVD to public access stations across the country and encourage them to air the show on March 11.

Q. How can I help get the 2010 WLC broadcast on local public access stations?
A. Please contact your local public access station and encourage them to air the show! DVDs will be mailed to them in February 2010. Click here to learn how.

Q. Will print copies of the WLC music be included in MIOSM Starter Kits?
A. No, music will not be included in MIOSM Starter Kits. The music will ONLY be available online by going here. No orchestral accompaniments will be provided. Music will be removed on March 31, 2010 to comply with copyright regulations.

Q. How many songs are on the concert program?
A. Eight (8) songs will be sung.

Q. Will a rehearsal CD be available?
A. No, there will not be a rehearsal CD available this year.  Free downloadable rehearsal and full performance tracks are available here.

Q. Will a Teacher’s Guide be available?
A. Yes, a Teacher’s Guide with lesson plans for the songs is available here.

Q. How are the songs chosen for the WLC?
A. Songs are usually recommended by a Song Selection Committee and/or teachers out in the field. Music is chosen in order to reach as wide a student audience as possible, as well as include a variety of old favorites, combined with new music of interest to teachers.

Q. How do I use music that is too difficult for my young students?
A. Because of the need to select music that will appeal to students in a wide age range, the music will vary in difficulty. Alternative performance options might include teaching only the melody part of each song, or dividing the songs among older and younger students. Additionally, younger students might enjoy viewing the concert, and discussing it afterwards.

We appreciate the input of our members regarding music selections, and keep these comments in mind as future music is considered. Suggestions for music can be sent to the attention of the WLC Coordinator.

Q. Can I use these songs in future concerts?
A. MENC is able to use the music selections for the concert because the copyright holders have generously granted permission to do so, and this permission applies only to the WLC. To help us continue our partnerships with these publishers and composers, please refrain from using this music for any purpose other than the 2010 WLC. Music should be purchased for the purpose of singing songs in any other concert or performance. (See concert program for copyright information.)

Q. Would you use a song I have written and/or how can I suggest music?
A. Suggestions for future concerts and submissions of compositions may be submitted to the attention of the WLC Coordinator.

Q. How can my school be on the WLC DVD?
A. Teachers are invited to submit video footage proposals to be included in the 2010 WLC. The deadline for proposals is September 21, 2009. The deadline for the actual video footage will be early 2010 if your school is selected.

Q. How can my school be included in the program next year?
A. The WLC is a program broadcast, and the video clips are pre-recorded and edited into the WLC. Information on taping a video clip segment is announced in the fall.

Q. Where will the 2011 WLC be held?
A. The site, host, and theme for next year’s concert are still being determined.

Q. I have additional questions, who can I contact?
A. Please email wlc@menc.org or call (800) 336-3768 and ask for the WLC Coordinator.