By Diana Nollen/SourceMedia Group

CEDAR RAPIDS — Who knew when I posted a simple “wouldn’t this be fun to do” comment on Facebook a couple of weeks ago that 1,000 people would witness a “Hallelujah Chorus” flash mob at Lindale Mall on Sunday (12/19/2010).

Promptly at 3 p.m., conductor Jason Fuemmeler and pianist Diane Beach launched the intro and at least 250 voices joined in song in the packed Food Court. 

Organizing it was easy — mall officials said “yes” right away; my Chorale Midwest conductor, Brad Barrett, said yes right away; my church organist, Diane Beach, said yes right away. And we were off. Over just 10 days, my request for singers bounced from my Chorale Midwest colleagues to Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale, Sweet Adelines and many, many church choirs, including my own, First United Methodist Church in Marion.

Unfortunately, Barrett hurt his back working on his farm in Missouri on Saturday night, so he was unable to lead us. Fortunately, we have a wonderful Chorale Midwest singer (Fuemmeler) who steps to the podium in Barrett’s absence. So, wielding a baton made from olive tree wood from Bethlehem, Fuemmeler led us in an amazing vocal experience.

Here’s a video shot by Ken Rinehart, husband of participating singer Ann Scholl Rinehart. Enjoy!

And here’s a view from the other side of the jam-packed Food Court. I’m not sure who shot it, but thanks so much to singer Marcia Hughes for sharing the link!