What the World Needs Now - for Virtual Orchestra

Just a little something to brighten your day. What started as an idea on my flight home from college ended in a collaboration with some of the most incredible people. I couldn't be more grateful. Please share to help us promote positivity and optimism while we need it most. 💜
"What the World Needs Now" Music by Burt Bacharach, Lyrics by Hal David
for Virtual Orchestra
featuring
Annika Reece, Bailey Chastain, Blake Dylan Pilger, Brielle Paige, Carlos Cordova, Carlyn Barenholtz, Cheyenne Bates, Chris Janson, Christina Jones, Clara Mazo, Dean Scarlett, Deniz Demirkurt, Dylan Quick, Eevie Perez, Eli Schildkraut, Emery Henderson, Emily Chiang, Emma O’Loughlin, Emma Rose Bauman, Erika Lopez, Fausto Capelluto, Freddy Renaud, Gabby Paige, Gioia Gedicks, Hagar Adam, Jacob Kent, Jacqueleen Schweighardt, Jennifer Molsen, Jeremy Tolsky, Jesse Howard Timm, Jiayi Wang, Jin-yeong So, John Fulton, Joshua Jowdy, Justin Veira, Kailey Fretwell, Karen Rassler, Kelsey Macdonald, Kevin Sells, Kris Leslie, Lilly Gitlitz, Lily James, Lindsey Faber, Liv Nurmi, Mae Hurtig, Maeve Reilly, Matt Henegan, Matt McDonnell, Meagan Nagy, Meghan Marshall, Melissa Zeller, Mia Goodman, Michael Mastroianni, Michael Valladares, Mikayla Cohen, Morgan Cohen, Nick Preziosi, Paul Lutty, Peli Woods, Peri Elizabeth Rutkovitz, Peyton Cook, Philomena Gildea, Rachel Tata, Robbie Shields, Robert Newman, Ryan Fogal, Ryan Scott Fossier, Sage Jepson, Samuel Kelly-Cohen, Sarah Nichols, Shelbie Rassler, Shelby Tudor, Skylar Jepson
Produced, arranged and edited by Shelbie Rassler (The Boston Conservatory at Berklee)
Mix Engineer Dan Santiago (Berklee College of Music)

[@ShelbieRassler]

Hello everyone! Thank you all so much for your support, it means the world to us! We have recently uploaded a brand new video, entitled "Rebuild - for Virtual Orchestra", that features hundreds of artists from all around the world in an effort to raise money for the NAACP and Americans for the Arts. Please take a moment to watch the video, as each view counts as a direct donation to these two wonderful organizations. Thank you very much! - Shelbie Rassler (Creator of "What the World Needs Now - for Virtual Orchestra")

[@caraoconnell6532]

Hi Shelbie, I'm unable to tag you for some reason but could you please see my comment below!

[@whatsittoya7718]

:)

[@nancym4752]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I just found it today, Christmas Day! I really like the young man's voice at 1:17. Does he have a YT channel? I would like to hear more by him. Thank you!

[@philelins1544]

Literally, gives me chills...

[@pamjanevlogsPH]

Burt's writings will always be remembered. RIP.

[@leslievandeven]

In 1963 when my Mother was killed in a car crash in which he was driving and survived, my Father would play this song because I needed to know we needed love in our broken family...... this is another time the World needs love... I never thought I would hear this song again in such a time of need... Thank you.

[@unscareable6878]

god bless

[@mental-undbodycoach6653]

... tearing up... I feel for you, your father and mother. May all (y)our hearts heal now. ❤🔑🔑

[@thegreatestbassist]

YESSSS!!!!

[@sutlers2day]

LOVE YOU .

[@heidisnider6155]

I'm so sorry. Continued prayers for you & family.

[@lisamills7055]

My dearest husband, Dean, died March 24th from COVID-19. I heard the song earlier in the week and again today. As my way of honoring his memory, I'm asking you to share with your family & friends to get this song around the world because we do need LOVE ❤️❤️ at this time.

[@ShelbieRassler]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family love and support during this awful time ❤️Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do regarding the song to make this a more peaceful time for you.

[@lisamills7055]

@@ShelbieRassler Shelbie, Thank you for your kind words. Please share it with everyone you know. Do it for Dean, our healthcare professionals in ALL roles, firefighters, police, EMTs, and all other essential service providers and everyone who's lost a loved one to COVID-19. Pray for our country and the WORLD.

[@juliehastings2119]

So Sorry For Your Loss Your Husband Dean ! I Will Keep You And Yours In My Prays And Thoughts And The World Too! Your Beloved Husband Dean He Maybe Be Gone But Will Never Be Forgotten By Those Who Loved Him Th Most ! God And The Angels Will Take Care Of Him He Got His Angels Wings If You Believe ! God Bless Peace To Fill Your Heart BE SAFE AND SOUND ! Just Breath , Feel, Relax And Allow ! Always Will Keep You And Yours For Healing Too At This Time Too

[@christenetene7595]

Sorry for ur loss. God bless.

[@sujuvijayan]

So very sorry for your loss.

[@sandyschading4644]

I’m late to the party, but pass the tissues. Young people give me such hope. Absolutely beautiful.

[@traviswillams5739]

FANTASTIC PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER, YOU ALL PUT THE SOUL IN THAT SONG , GREAT JOB FOLKS! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

[@kevinhampton7215]

God Bless everyone who made this possible , I have watch it at least 30 times and it brings tears to my eyes every time. You have given love and hope to a world who sadly needs it.!Bless you all.

[@raymalimack4749]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video and for reminding us that love should not be another victim of this virus

[@michaelsansonia4102]

WOW! And they even managed a tempo change Great big BRAVA to the person who put coordinated it, to the engineer(s) and the editor!

[@josephsiracusa4428]

breathtaking, astonishing, a major landmark for the performing arts, thank you

[@cynthiacruz9748]

Thank you Berklee students for reminding us we are all in this together. Stay strong everyone. God bless us all.

[@lindacoulter-jones8887]

How incredibly wonderful to be sitting in my house in Guatemala, listening to music and voices from around the world. A million blessings for those of you who created this, and more to those who listen and are touched by it.

[@mental-undbodycoach6653]

Blessings to you, your family and your country. 🌍❤🔑🔑

[@Leafia_Barrett]

One of the miracles of modern technology is that you don't need to be in the same room as someone to talk to someone, to see their face and hear their voice. You don't need to be in the same house, the same city, the same country, not even the same continent. We can, and some of us regularly do, talk to people on the complete opposite end of the planet from us. We can play games with each other, comfort and help one another, and as this video shows, we can even create art with one another. Just because we're isolated doesn't mean we're alone. If things feel hopeless, always remember that you are not alone.

[@gigibclubforkids5476]

We are all in this together. We can connect with technology, and we "should." Namaste

[@agymayachelonia8381]

I still come back to this when I'm feeling down. 🙂

[@deanna3301]

Simply AMAZING, genius even! You all were FANTABULOUS! You all need an honorary Grammy not that you did it to receive an award because I know you didn't. Thanks for using your talents to edify the world at large in a time that seems, for many, to be depleted of all hope. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE is what will pull us through. Amen!

[@kristaebayless5906]

AMAZING! JUST what the world needs right now!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@jennifertaylor1869]

And that's what you all have just given this world --- love, talent, creativity. Thank you every one!

[@heatherhansen3781]

I'mm sitting here in tears. It's a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing it.

[@thomasapel7024]

OMG ... what you're doing to me ... i am 53 and i can't stop my tears rolling ... it's is so warm and tender and so powerful ... kisses and hugs from Germany

[@ps361brooklynny7]

Same here in NY 😪❤️🙏

[@coastsouljah]

Same here in Mandurah Australia

[@joedominante8063]

All day long...thank you all contributers. Wonderful collaboration

[@ingridrajithskysong5369]

Every note filled with the intention to share love, hope and healing! Oh my goodness! All of you are wonderful and gifted - each in your own beautiful way! Thank you for this most lovely gift! May Blessings be yours!

[@pkm1060]

Shelbie, you and your friends are gifted. Thanks for sharing your gifts with us. You all have a bright future.

[@barbaragallaersmith7657]

So awesome!!! Thank you for sharing this positive message, music and talent!

[@30306]

Piu' attuale che mai......with LOVE from Rome, Italy💖🇮🇹

[@deborahthomas3539]

Wow! What y’all did is magical! Thank you to EVERYONE who put this together. What a gift. 💝

[@victorsixtythree]

OUTSTANDING! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone involved! Stay safe everybody!!

[@lorenalexander712]

I broke the repeat button. Brings tears to my eyes every time. Great job, everyone!

[@DawnEdwards]

Fabulous!!!! Thank you so much Berklee College of Music. You are all so very gifted. What a ray of sunshine you are.

[@thegreatestbassist]

GOD bless YOU ALL. You make me so very proud to be a Bassist/Composer/Producer. Music is The Universal Language. You all have done such a beautiful job with this great rendition. THIS IS WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW!!

[@greggsusandowning6373]

Beautiful!! Perfect!!!!!! Awesome ... Thanks to ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LisaLCyrStudio]

The power of creative souls coming together to share their gifts can be such an important light in the darkness. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@kaemack44]

All I can say is...WOW... An oldie but goodie done beautifully by the youngins!💕💕💕💕

[@jessebaker3099]

This hit song came out at a time when America still remembered something of its Western frontier period, hence mountains and oceans being used as allusions for the concept of a barrier. I'm less sure about the meadows which may connote surplus or excess of goods such as food. I want to thank these young people for their will to isolate for sake of protecting the vulnerable, especially so far ahead of a population-wide sweep by the new virus. I'm optimistic. That love is scarce, making it precious, moves people to generate enough love to overcome woe.

[@cvictoriac1]

@@Chosen_Of_God wow. This is beautiful and your words are ugly.

[@MIKECNW]

Shut up Nick.

[@thomasquinn7194]

This performance by these talented young people is a true inspiration! Yes America, the horrible division being fostered by some leaders in our country will pass. This generation is the hope for a return to American values.

[@edbrillsr]

The kid in the top right hand corner w/ the brown poncho needs to put out an album right now.

[@angels2earthnyc940]

Great song by all. Unity for life...for the same cause.

[@lynnekowalski3230]

Positive and uplifting by who they called and said things about, this young generation. Be proud to know they are putting their talents to a good use.

[@synchronistory]

In this shell-shocked PTSD world struggling to reconcile covid, war, economic instability, climate crises, a.i. and more, this song lingers in the heart and the ether like a timeless reminder ... of that which is tender and touches us all in one way or another ... Love.

[@gailblack6704]

Incredibly uplifting. What great young people at this outstanding college.

[@MsDanaGerous]

Incredible! Thanks to all you talented artists for sharing your gifts!

[@marchellesimmons188]

Thanks so much for starting my morning with a smile and a song.

[@DraGnFly007]

GOD has BLESSED you ALL with MAD TALENTS! LOVEly. Bravo!!

[@kenkarsh]

The future of music is safe in the hands of your generation!! Just incredible!

[@RandyR]

Great cover of a song that the world needs to hear. 💝✌️

[@joetoto8504]

WOW, that brought tears to my eyes. This is who we are, this is who I am but I find myself always being dragged towards a world of money and joyless heartless people. It is very difficult but Love always triumphs. Well done!

[@sandrabuchman3697]

Simply beautiful! Just what our world needs now ....

[@oucatfive6806]

You young people ROCK!!!! You took a tough situation and made something beautiful from it. This is a terrific and beautiful example of what we can do when we keep our heads and work together. When bad things happen, look for the opportunity for growth! You give me hope.

[@coastsouljah]

You are all so beautiful. I'm so proud to be related to you all. Xoxoxox

[@billgriffith5240]

Well done, great song, great inspiring artists. Be safe, be patient, and let’s keep helping others. Bill, Pittsburgh, PA.

[@judithmaryhill4862]

Voices united via the magic of social media. I am thankful I live in these healing times. With music to keep our spirits alive we can overcome 💖💖💖

[@geninetillotson227]

This brought tears to my eyes and wonderment to my brain as I contemplated both the video and audio logistics required to produce it. It's beautiful and inspiring and possibly the best thing I've watched since this pandemic began. Kudos to everyone involved.

[@piotrbalmusic]

Thank you so much for such wonderful and comforting gesture. You guys are brilliant. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌺🌺❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌺🌺🌺🌺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@notgettingleftbehind]

Beautiful! Brought a tear of joy. Boston loves and misses you all!

[@coolsunconstruct]

Still fantastic, thanks for the personalities and help through that thing called covid 🎉❤😂

[@kevink3975]

Yes a dark sad time for us all ! This was my inspiration

[@jamescombs8316]

I found this in my newspaper, The Sandwich Enterprise. Shelbie, you have a winner here! I hope Burt Bacharach sees your work. We ALL needed this. Thank you! James Combs, Sandwich, MA

[@BeyondBellieBeads]

ok. Im crying.. and speechless.. God bless these beautiful people. Thank you

[@gcleare413]

Fabulous! More, more! This is what we all need now. You guys are so talented and amazing!

[@harriettpawliger4811]

Exactly what we need right now!!!!!! So beautiful; THANK YOU.

[@mcq9667]

And I thought I was the only one crying as I listened to your beautiful and heartwarming music... Thank you!

[@growingedgebeing3537]

Brilliant and inspiring! Thank you to everyone who contributed to bring more Love into the world.

[@josephinerigmaiden3601]

Beautiful! Shout out to the french hornist! I haven't played in years, but continue to love this beautiful and powerful instrument.

[@brianlozano5220]

Simply beautiful and very much needed. Music is the connection of unity we all hope for.

[@abrahamspindel8739]

Lost 2 friends at my hospital to the virus, and when I listened to this I finally got some solace, as I was recovering , until them , all alone, looking out from the tenth floor, but no longer all alone! THANKS

[@iowabettyg]

abraham, my heartfelt sympathies to you and ALL, who lost loved ones/friends to covid-19 virus! life isn't fair; this is another example of WHY? we will never know; just have to accept it, and move on. betty gordon, ames, iowa

[@dickreimbold3815]

Beautiful young people. We are in our seventies and are very healthy and active, well active until now. Your production brought joy to our day. Thank you for all the efforts. We pray that your futures are as bright as this production. God Bless!!!!!! Irene and Dick Reimbold, Michiganders still in their winter home in Albuquerque, NM. and far from family, but not in spirit.

[@cindysadler1072]

I grew up listening to this song on the radio ... love your beautiful modern rendition! Bravi tutti!

[@kimberlywalbridge7416]

Beautiful💝thank you for sharing your love and talent . Humanity needs this globally. Stay safe and healthy😇🙏

[@MW-iu1ed]

Goosebumps and tears at a moment when this fresh breath of air was needed. Thank you and blessings to all of you

[@LeadMineGal]

Gave me goose bumps. Thank you!

[@conniiiiieee]

This was such a beautiful performance - it reduced me to tears. Thank you Berklee College of Music! 💛

[@bunitamarcus5173]

This is wonderful guys! Thank you so much Ms Rassler for your leadership and creativity! Bunita Marcus

[@queeniemoonbeam]

So lovely! Thank you! Thank ALL of YOU!

[@lorenalexander712]

Your rendition of one of my favorite songs has brought both a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. I'm playing it on repeat and sharing it around. Thank you!

[@cindywhitford702]

Thank you all. This is perfect. Shelbie, you are a genius.

[@daryadenisova1390]

I am crying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so beautiful and talented!!!!!!

[@douglasdennett4583]

Hello - Hello Ms. Shelbie Rassler, Our Loving & Kind KZbin Host... What a Beautiful and Very Special Message to Give to Humanity / The Gift of Music / Blown Away by the Massive Joy and Happiness that Love Brings to this Setting - Forever Here!!!! Sharing with [ Ms. Angelina Jordan & Family ] Special Friend's Worldwide / Thank UUU / Sincerely, DD. Happy Monday in Late March of 2023 / "Spring Time Now - Bring on the Flowers of Life to All"

[@JosephPaul4real]

What the world needs now -- is this video.

[@geraldveasley3368]

Timeless - because the world always needs love. Thank you Berklee students for sharing your music and love with us.

[@williamsmith4018]

Just what I needed this morning, just about ready to scream..............thank you for bringing tears of joy to my eyes this morning, calmed me down almost instantly, thank you

[@aristaarista2045]

Dear Shelby and the Virtual Orchestra. Thank you ALL for your extraordinary Gifts. You have brightened our World with your Love, your Voice, your Dance, your Instruments. You have taught us all we don't need professional studios, money, or much time to make something spontaneous and beautiful. Your Gift touches Hearts! From the Heart, Arista and The Chad Foundation for Athletes and Artists

[@johndombek9273]

It’s absolutely beyond wonderful that a gathering of spirited, gifted homo sapiens can do to lift the spirits of the entire world with music and words aimed precisely at our needs exactly when we need them. Thank you so much. You have made my day. You may also have helped save our species. John Dombek

[@tuantruongminh366]

thank you, thank you and thank you for a beautiful gift. You are so wonderful. thank you so much

[@jerryroehning5041]

This was so great. It make a cry, my daughter was able to get married on March 14th of this year. We had a trio play at the wedding and they made the wedding, there was not a dry face. Keep making music.

[@paulawargo1022]

So Wonderful, Thank you all , God Bless you all for your talents. Im sharing with my World,,,,,Stay Safe at the time.

[@Subparanon]

Why is it suddenly raining in here? Directly into my eyes.

[@carriefischer4261]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@timothykinungi9239]

I..........felt some drops in the eyes

[@SterlingHowe]

quote can a speak for everyone yes you are right

[@Sophesi]

Me too, the girl with deep soulful voice with Stanford soccer t-shirt wow what a voice very moving... I cried for the entire world

[@Pancho308]

An indicator we are human. We NEED moments such as these to recover and heal our psyche.

[@keithdarden4394]

In the early 80's I was living on Com-Ave, going to N.U. ... I have been to places all over the world and Yes it is TRUE - " BOSTON is the World's Greatest city ! " BERKLEE 's students are a Beacon of Hopeful Joy and Pure Pride for the Future we all must share in. WELL DONE- JUST A GREAT JOY !!!

[@robinsinger5001]

Listening to this talented virtual orchestra so brightened my day and made me tear up! Thank you for sharing.

[@michaelcohen4951]

Not sure that words can express how awesome this was. I am sure that Burt is totally jazzed with this. Keep them coming. This is what everyone needs now.

[@rickertpropertygroup]

I was so captivated by the extreme talent of all the singers, and musicians. The arrangement was incredible!!!! I grew up on this song and it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you all!!!! :0)

[@iowabettyg]

each singer was OUTSTANDING, the musicians, and all the technology involved was amazing!! thanks for bringing back my youth when we really need it again. god bless everyone involved in bringing this to us all. betty gordon, ames, iowa

[@wcampbell1502]

so glad to know I'm not the only one with tears in listening to this song, I came looking for this song after OD'ing on news about riots and such, and came across this compilation, very beautiful and how the tears came, I truly miss my peaceful america, this country is not the same as it was 20 years ago and I fear it never will be. Their is way too much evil in the world. And too many people willing to do evils biding.

[@ellinchess3667]

I cried from tears of joy and hope from the energy of all of you. Thank you. I am grateful.

[@natalietso3213]

This is one of the most inspiring things I’ve seen since the pandemic. It has filled my heart with joy and hope to see you all use your hearts and talents so beautifully! Thank you for this wonderful gift!!! I can’t stop watching it!

[@coastsouljah]

I've watched more than ten times since i saw it about half an hour ago too :)

[@debbiejoseph728]

Just listened again for the umteenth time..... hope all of you beautiful artists are doing well & staying healthy. Thank you for this beautiful gift.

[@lorrainesmith448]

The talent shown here is as overwhelmingly incredible and hopeful, as Covid19 has been unbelievably life-changing. Thank you so very much to all of you.

[@lolamae8]

This is magic! Thank you to all the beautiful souls for playing, singing and sharing!

[@zacaroo100]

This is the most beautiful thing I've seen and heard in years. I was not expecting to cry but I did. THANK YOU for doing this and sharing it with the world. God bless you.

[@krzykris]

This video was filled with talented young adults, but that dude in the blue shirt with a loose tie has an insane voice. I hope we hear more from him in the future.

[@nancym4752]

I just found this video today and also thought this guy was great. I think his name is Joshua Jowdy.

[@deborahpaulazzo8820]

Brought tears to my eyes! Isn’t that the truth..... “Love, Sweet Love”

[@shaynakaufmann5237]

Amazing! Watched is last year over and over and was just as moved watching it again today. Thank you for this beautiful offering of love and extraordinary talent.

[@doncorreu5633]

I am sending this to my sister who is battling the COVID-19 virus to cheer her up and help make her day a little better. I am so moved and proud to be an alumnus of Berklee! Thank you to all who put the time into making this masterful video. You are true stars in my eyes!

[@ShelbieRassler]

Thank you so much for your kind words; praying for your sister during this incredibly difficult time ❤️

[@sbentley6987]

Praying for you sister for a full recovery!

[@tritter82]

Praying your sister makes a full recovery

[@DaveMarnier]

Praying for your sister's healing and recovery, and praying for comfort for you and your whole family.

[@christinepf1]

holding your ( Don's ) sister in my positive thoughts ... love & healing , stay strong !

[@megaJ0Y]

Thank U all for sharing your gifts! So needed!!! 💚💜💛❤🧡💙