Events › Unsilent Night

Participate in a 45-minute electronic swirling sound walk through Broadmoor Park and beyond. Spread joy and light to brighten the long winter night! Deck yourself out with twinkle lights, a cell phone and (optional) amplifier/speaker.

How it works: Each participant downloads or streams a track from unsilentnight.com to play out loud on their device, preferably connected to a speaker. We’ll meet outside the Community Centre, all press PLAY at the same time, and walk a 45-minute route together while the music plays. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and light up the night with festive clothing, lights, and reflectors.

On Thu Dec 19, the library is hosting an Unsilent Night event! We’re looking forward to seeing you there, and here are some FAQs to answer any questions you might have.

What is Unsilent Night?
Unsilent Night is an original composition by Phil Kline, written specifically to be heard outdoors in the month of December. It takes the form of a street promenade in which the audience becomes the performer. Throughout December each year, people around the world gather to "perform" the work by playing the Unsilent Night music on boomboxes or Bluetooth speakers and walking a chosen path together.

How does it work?
The music is split into four separate 45-minute-long tracks. Participants choose and download a track ahead of time. Everyone gathers in a specified place and everyone starts playing their music at the same moment. Then we start walking together. As we walk, the music changes and each person’s perception of the music is unique, based on their location within the group and the acoustics of the buildings, people, cars, snow, etc. around them.

Can my kids come?
Absolutely! This is an all-ages and all-abilities event. Participants can come in strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, or by foot.

Is the whole thing outside?
Yes, so please make sure that you dress for the weather. It's also fun to wear bright, festive clothes, lights, and reflectors.

Do I want to spend 45 minutes outside?
Yes, you do! The music creates an amazing atmosphere and it keeps changing as we walk so it keeps everyone's interest the entire time. It's an immersive experience that makes each person feel like they're part of a larger creation. We'll also be able to admire the beautiful lights set up around the area, meet other people in the community, and get some fresh air and exercise.

What do I need?
Bring a device and a connected speaker, e.g. a smartphone and a Bluetooth speaker. (Most Bluetooth speakers are quite small and portable, even wearable.) You can put your speaker into a bag or your pockets. If you bring a wagon or stroller, you can easily carry your speaker in those. (We encourage people with young kids to bring a wagon/stroller/sled.)

The music tracks can be downloaded from our Unsilent Night event page or from http://unsilentnight.com/participate.html

Where are we going?
We'll take a route outside around the Community Centre/County Hall, past Festival Place, and around Broadmoor Lake Park before ending up back at the Community Centre.

What if I have to go to the bathroom?
You’ll be able to use the washrooms at the Sherwood Park Arena, which we’ll pass by on the outbound part of our walking route.

What if I get too cold?
If you’re dressed appropriately, you should be fine. But if you need to drop out, that’s OK. Even at the farthest point on the route, we’re not more than a fifteen-minute walk from the Community Centre, by foot. You should also be able to pop into Festival Place to warm up.

Why is the library doing this program?
In our mission statement, we say that the library "enriches lives, promotes community engagement, [and] sparks imagination..." One of the goals in our Strategic Plan is for residents to have “opportunities to connect with each other...and feel engagement in the community." This is a fun, free, and inclusive way for people to come together, feel connected, and celebrate the beautiful lights and landscape in the heart of our community.

Where can I find out more?
Check out the Unsilent Night website at unsilentnight.com.