This year, in partnership with Improv Everywhere, Make Music Day is launching Conduct Us, a participatory performance experience that puts the baton in the hands of the public.
In four cities on June 21, large ensembles will gather in public spaces, sitting quietly behind a sign that reads “Conduct Us.” When someone steps forward and picks up the baton, the musicians follow their lead and the performance begins. No conducting experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to try.
Conduct Us events will take place in Cedar Rapids, IA, where the public will lead the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band during their evening concert at Bever Park; Mansfield TX with the Mansfield Philharmonic in Geyer Commons; New York NY with an orchestra of Google employees conducted in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony at Astor Place; and Salem, OR, where participants will conduct members of the Salem Orchestra in a special event honoring Make Music Salem co-founder Mark Green.