Global choral project coordinated by Hugh's Room Live (Toronto). Singers across venues in multiple countries learn a local popular song in multi-part harmony, then join a global livestream broadcast where each 'choir' performs live. The event closes with a collective rendition of Bob Marley's 'Three Little Birds' sung by every group in harmony around the world.
The Alliance's flagship participatory event program where large groups of people play instruments together in public. Includes guitar strum-alongs, bucket drumming, ukulele circles, harmonica play-alongs, and other mass instrument events. Chapters organize local Mass Appeal events using donated instruments and community volunteers.
Brian Balmages' salute to music education — a Grade 2 piece (2:30 long) flexibly written for Concert Band, Full Orchestra, or a mix of band and strings. Free sheet music and MakeMusic Cloud access provided to participating bands. Bands can perform live on June 21st or submit a video. Teachers and students can also submit a short video about how music education has made a difference in their lives for a chance to win a portion of $15,000 in new music from Alfred Music.
Mallets provided for Elliot Cole's flowerpot composition, a sonic meditation piece anyone can play. Instruction sheet available.
Funding available through AFM Local Unions to compensate musicians leading participatory performance events (not rehearsals or lessons). Compensation varies by local union ($100–$300 per musician). Alliance can help coordinate with local unions.
Flight Ukulele offering 70% discount for mass appeal events. Minimum order 20 instruments. Travel ukes $20, signature wooden ukes $35. First time offering for Make Music Day (previously only for Make Music Winter).
RBI kits including boom whackers (C major diatonic set with octavator caps), rhythm sticks, and egg shakers for participatory events.
840 free E-Stop T10 4S Blues harmonicas (diatonic, 10-hole, key of C) available to returning chapters (active in 2025 or before). Up to 100 per chapter, estimated 20 per chapter. Additional harmonicas available at factory price of $2.58 each with tariffs/shipping covered.
Vic Firth donating drumsticks for bucket drumming events. Requires event leader and post-event documentation (photos, videos, press coverage).
Free guitar string changing events at music stores on June 21st. First 12 people at each participating store receive free Elixir strings and a changing lesson.
Sixth year of global song swap where artists cover each other's original music, in collaboration with Make Music Nigeria and Make Music Long Beach.
Coordination of Make Music events in host cities (Los Angeles, San Jose, Kansas City, New York mentioned) during the FIFA World Cup tournament in June. Soccer chants and fan engagement suggested.
Global corporate band initiative inviting workplace bands (75%+ coworkers) to perform, with potential competition and gear prize from sponsor.
Long-standing wind ensemble project playing Sousa marches, aiming for 50 locations across the US for the 250th anniversary. Working with Levitt Family Foundation.
Special 100th anniversary celebration with activations planned in Chicago and Santa Monica, seeking other cities along the historic route. Includes a new song competition.
Elementary school video exchange program for ages 7-13, connecting US classrooms with international schools. Looking for 10 US classrooms (currently have 4).
Second year collaboration with Music Teachers National Association, activating piano stores with mass piano events. Seeking piano dealers and music teachers.
New interactive project where passersby conduct prepared orchestras/ensembles in public spaces. Inspired by Improv Everywhere's Charlie Todd, conceived as a memorial to Mark Green.
Partnership with NFHS and Alfred Music offering three free patriotic-themed pieces (band, orchestra, and choir) for the US 250th anniversary. Schools can perform on June 21st or submit videos.
Returning improvised vocal experience with song leaders guiding spontaneous singing. New York had a 24-hour marathon last year.