June 21, 2025 is just around the corner!
We’re working hard to bring back last year’s favorite workshops, venues, and performers. This website will be constantly changing as workshops are finalized and performances are added throughout Stanly County. Be sure to check back often to see what exciting events will occur on JUNE 21!
About
In the beginning….
In the early 1980s, Jack Lang and his staff at the Ministry of Culture in France decided that music should have its own national holiday. They imagined a day where free music would be everywhere, all around each city: street corners, parks, rooftops, gardens, and store fronts. This event would be set apart from typical festivals and welcome anyone and everyone to join in, no matter their skill set or social standing. In the end, Mr. Lang and his staff created Fête De La Musique (In French, the name means both “festival of music” and “make music”) which would occur on the summer solstice, June 21st.
Fast forward 40 years, and Fête De La Musique has turned into something greater than the creators could have imagined. The Fête has turned into a true national holiday: the country shuts down on the summer solstice and musicians take over. Almost 11% of French people (7 million people) have played an instrument or sung in public for the Fête de la Musique, and 64% of the country (43 million people) comes out each year to listen.
Today….
Now Make Music Day has spread world-wide and is now celebrated in more than 2,000 cities in 120 different countries. In the U.S., over 150 communities are gearing up for Make Music Days.
June 21st, 2025 will be our 2nd Annual Make Music Day for Stanly County! Looking forward to more opportunities throughout Stanly County MAKE MUSIC!!
Participate
Click here for HOW TO Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@makemusicday/shorts
Make Music Day will consist of performances around the county. The Stanly County Arts Council is looking for both performers and venues willing to participate in this event. If you are a venue or a performer willing to participate please sign up using the provided links. Any spot can be a venue!
PERFORMERS:
- Musicians of all ages, skill levels, and styles. You can play one show or as many as you like.
VENUES
Hosting can be as simple as providing space on your porch or as complex as renting a stage and sound equipment. Hosts control the location, performance times, and list available equipment. Sites must:
- Be within Stanly County
- Be free and accessible to the public
- Maintain space on the sidewalk for pedestrians OR have an open area inside of the venue
MATCHMAKING SYSTEM
The Matchmaking System connects venues and musicians. After creating an account , venues and musicians can browse each other’s profiles to request a booking. If you already have your event planned and do not need the matchmaking tool, list your event following the video guide linked above.
Apart from the live entertainment, Make Music Day is a county wide event happening on June 21st. With events in Downtown Albemarle, Badin, Locust, Oakboro, and Norwood, this event has something for everyone!
2025 WORKSHOPS –
NEW FOR 2025
- Introduction to the Banjo: First time experience with a 5 string banjo. Learn proper hand position, reading tablature, and rolls (picking patterns.) Banjos and picks will be provided. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. (Ron’s Pickin’ Parlor, Stanfield)
- Sounds of Strings: Explore, Play, & Discover!: Fun, hands-on workshop where string instruments come to life! Participants will explore how instruments (violin, guitar, cello, and more) create sound. Through exciting demonstrations & interactive activities, you’ll get to try them out yourself! Discover how the same instrument can sound different across musical genres. Whether you’re a music lover or a curious beginner, this workshop will leave you inspired by the magic of strings. (Albemarle)
- Sounds of the South – and Beyond: Folk Instruments Across Cultures: Join this fun, hands-on workshop to explore traditional folk instruments from North Carolina – like the banjo, fiddle, and dulcimer. You’ll hear live music, try out the instruments yourself, and discover how these sounds connect with musical traditions from around the world. (Albemarle)
- Recorders (Albemarle)
- Fun with Rhythm (Boomwhackers, Rhythm Sticks, & More!): In this engaging workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to play a variety of rhythm instruments, including Boomwhackers, Rhythm Sticks, and Egg Shakers. Explore and practice several percussive patterns to accompany the classic Beatles song “Octopus’ Garden.”* Besides instrument play, Hambone (body percussion) may be introduced to enhance the musical experience. It will be a joyful and enriching experience in rhythm. (Albemarle & Norwood) (*Norwood location)
EVERYONE’S FAVORITE 2024 WORKSHOPS ARE BACK for 2025:
- Bucket Drum Workshop: Learn basic beats and different tones… on a bucket! (Albemarle and Locust)
- Intro to Voice: Learn basic vocal technique, warmups, and exercises. Participants will also receive an overview on how to harmonize using simple melodies. (Albemarle)
- Ukulele Workshop: Learn about the ukulele, how to play three different chords, and one song by the end of the workshop. Ages 8+ (Albemarle)
- Make Your Own Rhythm Instrument: The Stanly County Library staff will be present all day for you to drop in and make your own Rhythm Instruments, a fun craft that’s great for all ages! While supplies last. (Albemarle, Locust, and Norwood. Oakboro & Badin branches will have it available the week prior.)
- Instrument Petting Zoo: Come look at a wide range of instruments and try them out! (Albemarle Music Store and Locust City Hall)
- Elixer’s String Along Event: How to String Your Guitar: Learn how to string your acoustic/electric guitar and receive a free set of strings (while supplies last.) Registration required. (Albemarle Music Store) Click Here to Register or Call Carol at 704-982-3815.
- Kazoos – Making & Playing them: Make your own kazoo and learn a song. (Albemarle & Locust City Hall)
Workshops in downtown Albemarle:
| TIME | WORKSHOP | PRESENTING GROUP | LOCATION | DETAILS/LIMITS |
| 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Make your own Rhythm Shaker | Stanly County Library | Stanly County Library- Albemarle Branch | Drop in and make your own Rhythm Instruments, a fun craft that’s great for all ages! While supplies last. |
| 9:00 am – 9:30 am | Bucket Drumming | Music on Main Instructor – Kurt Varney | Courthouse Square | Learn basic beats and different tones… on a bucket! Limit: 10 Ages: 7+ |
| 9:30 am – 10:00 am | Bucket Drumming | Music on Main Instructor – Kurt Varney | Courthouse Square | Learn basic beats and different tones… on a bucket! Limit: 10 Ages: 7+ |
| 10:00 am – 10:30 am | Ukulele | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | The Talent Company Clubhouse (140 East Main St., next to Albemarle Printers) | Learn about the ukulele, how to play three different chords, and one song by the end of the workshop. Ukuleles will be provided. Limit: 15 Ages: 8+ |
| 10:30 am – 11:00 am | Intro to String Instruments | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | The Talent Company Clubhouse (140 East Main St., next to Albemarle Printers) | Limit: 15 Ages: 8+ |
| 11:00 am – 11:30 am | Sounds of the South: Folk Instruments | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | The Talent Company Clubhouse (140 East Main St., next to Albemarle Printers) | Learn about traditional NC Instruments (Banjo, fiddle, dulcimer). Hear them, try them out and more. |
| 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Recorders | Regan Eudy – Central Elementary Music Teacher | Courthouse Square | Free Recorder to attendees. While supplies last. |
| 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Fun with Rhythm (Boomwhackers & Rhythm Sticks) | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | The Talent Company Clubhouse (140 East Main St., next to Albemarle Printers) | |
| 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Ukulele | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | The Talent Company Clubhouse (140 East Main St., next to Albemarle Printers) | Learn about the ukulele, how to play three different chords, and one song by the end of the workshop. Ukuleles will be provided.Limit: 15 Ages: 8+ |
| 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Kazoos – make your own & learn a song | Music on Main Instructor – Heather Almond | The Talent Company Clubhouse (140 East Main St., next to Albemarle Printers) | Learn how to make a kazoo plus how to play a song on it! |
| 2:00 pm | Voice | Music on Main Instructor – Angela Moore | The Talent Company Clubhouse (140 East Main St., next to Albemarle Printers) | Learn basic vocal technique, warmups, and exercises. Participants will also receive an overview on how to harmonize using simple melodies. Limit: 15 Ages 7+ |
| 10:00 am-12:00 pm 1:00 pm -3:00 pm | Instrument Petting Zoo | Albemarle Music Store & Stanly County Concert Band | Albemarle Music Store | Come look at a wide range of instruments during store hours (9:45 am- 5:00 pm) or attend the allotted demonstrations by The Stanly County Concert Band! |
Workshops in Locust Town Center:
| TIME | WORKSHOP | PRESENTING GROUP | LOCATION | DETAILS/LIMITS |
| 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | Make your own Rhythm Shaker | Stanly County Library | Locust Library | Drop in and make your own Rhythm Instrument, a fun craft that’s great for all ages! While supplies last. |
| 9:00 am – 11:00 am | Instrument Petting Zoo | Ariel Jones, West Stanly High School Band Director | Locust City Hall | Come look at a wide range of instruments and hear the demonstrations by The West Stanly High School Band! |
| 11:00 am – 11:30 am | Bucket Drumming | Instructor: Jonathan Wyatt | Town Center Back Lawn Stage | Learn basic beats and different tones… on a bucket! Limit: 12 students Ages: 7+ |
| 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Bucket Drumming | Ariel Jones, West Stanly High School Band Director | Town Center Back Lawn Stage | Learn basic beats and different tones… on a bucket! Limit: 12 students Ages: 7+ |
| 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Kazoos – make your own & learn a song | Ariel Jones, West Stanly High School Band Director | Locust City Hall | Learn how to make a kazoo plus how to play a song on it! |
Workshops in Norwood:
| TIME | WORKSHOP | PRESENTING GROUP | LOCATION | DETAILS/LIMITS |
| 9:00 am – 1:00 pm | Make your own Rhythm Shaker | Stanly County Library | Norwood Library | Drop in and make your own Rhythm Instrument, a fun craft that’s great for all ages! While supplies last. |
| 10:00 am – 10:45 am | Fun with Rhythm (Boomwhackers & Rhythm Sticks) | Instructor: Kim Hardy – former Stanly County Schools music educator | Farmer’s Market | For Ages 7-12. Limit: 12 students Learn how to play rhythm instruments (Boomwhackers, Rhythm Sticks, Shakers). Explore and practice percussive patterns to accompany the classic Beatles song “Octopus’ Garden.” Besides instrument play, Hambone (body percussion) may be introduced. |
| 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | Fun with Rhythm (Boomwhackers & Rhythm Sticks) | Instructor: Kim Hardy – former Stanly County Schools music educator | Farmer’s Market | For Ages 7-12. Limit: 12 students Learn how to play rhythm instruments (Boomwhackers, Rhythm Sticks, Shakers). Explore and practice percussive patterns to accompany the classic Beatles song “Octopus’ Garden.” Besides instrument play, Hambone (body percussion) may be introduced. |
Workshops in Stanfield:
| TIME | WORKSHOP | PRESENTING GROUP | LOCATION | DETAILS/LIMITS |
| 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Beginner Intro to the Banjo | Instructor: Ronnie Hatley, Ron’s Pickin’ Parlor | Ron’s Pickin’ Parlor 4961 Rushing Rd., Stanfield | Banjos and Picks Provided RESERVATIIONS REQUIRED: Call (704)888-9961 Only 5 spots per class. Deadline to register: 6/19/25 Min. Age: 12+ (parents must be present for any student age 12-16) |
| 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Beginner Intro to the Banjo | Ronnie Hatley | Ron’s Pickin’ Parlor 4961 Rushing Rd., Stanfield | Banjos and Picks provided. RESERVATIIONS REQUIRED: Call (704)888-9961 Only 5 spots per class. Deadline to register: 6/19/25 Min. Age: 12+ (parents must be present for any student age 12-16) |
Support
Be a musician!
Be a venue!
Be an audience member!
Attend a workshop!
Or support the arts in Stanly County with a monetary donation to the Stanly County Arts Council: https://stanlycountyartscouncil.org/donate/
All gifts are tax deductible.
The Stanly County Arts Council is a 501 (c) (3) whose mission is to encourage & promote broad-based cultural and educational activities in the arts throughout Stanly County.
Financial information and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state.
Contact
Get in touch with us at stanlycounty@makemusicday.org