Quick Reference: Make Music Vermont Brand & Messaging

A quick reference for anyone communicating about Make Music Vermont — covering brand guidelines, key messaging, and language best practices.

Core Message

Ring in the summer with a worldwide day of music.

Performed by anyone. Free for everyone.

It's a Holiday, Not a Festival

Make Music Day is a holiday — like Halloween or Valentine's Day. No one curates everyone's Halloween costume. When it's a holiday, people know what to do and do it themselves.

• Always June 21 — the summer solstice, first day of summer
• Global celebration — 2,000+ communities worldwide
• Anyone can participate — no auditions, no applications needed

Why Language Matters

The words we use shape how people understand Make Music Vermont. Here's how to communicate clearly and authentically about what we do.

Key Messaging Guidelines

❌ Don't Call It a "Festival"

The word "festival" creates misleading expectations:

• People ask how to audition
• They expect organizers to provide backline and staging
• Media asks about credentials and VIP access

❌ Don't Say You "Produce" Events

Never claim to "produce" hundreds of events. Credit goes to the musicians, venues, and community members doing the actual work.

Exception: Special projects you truly do produce directly.

❌ Avoid "Volunteer"

You don't "volunteer" to dress up for Halloween — you do it because it's fun.

Frame participation as:

• An invitation to share music with your community
• Fun and meaningful for the participants themselves
• A chance to connect with neighbors and fellow musicians

✅ Emphasize Participation Over Performance

While many events are concerts, the most exciting part of Make Music Day is participatory music making:

• Jam sessions and open mics
• Free instrument lessons
• Drum circles
• Sing-alongs
• Instrument petting zoos

This hands-on aspect is what makes Make Music Vermont unique.

✅ Say "Locations" Not "Venues"

"Venue" suggests nightclubs and concert halls. Make Music Vermont happens in unexpected places:

Better phrasing: "Make Music Vermont takes place on village greens, front porches, general stores, and farm fields throughout the state."

Quick Reference Table

Vermont-Specific Framing

When talking about Make Music Vermont, emphasize:

• Community connection — neighbors making music together
• Accessibility — anyone can participate, any skill level
• Vermont character — front porches, general stores, village greens, covered bridges
• The longest day — celebrating the summer solstice outdoors

Brand Colors

Make Music Orange: #FF5B05

• RGB: 255, 92, 5
• Pantone: Orange 21

Common Questions & Answers

"Why is it on June 21? That's a weekday!"

"Around the world, Make Music Day is always on June 21, to celebrate the first day of summer — just like Halloween is always on October 31."

"Do artists get paid to perform?"

"People can make any financial arrangements they wish, as long as concerts are public and free to attend. It's like Halloween — anyone who loves to dress up can do their own thing."

"Why isn't there more [genre] on the schedule?"

"We'd love to see more! Anyone can organize and register their own event. If you know people in that community, help us make them part of Make Music Vermont!"

Key Takeaway

Make Music Day is democratic, uncurated, and radically inclusive. Every human being has a song in their heart. Our job is to present it as the joyful holiday that it is — not as an exclusive festival we control.

Hashtags

• #MakeMusicVermont
• #MakeMusicDay
• #MakeMusicVT
• #VermontMusic

Resources

• Make Music Vermont: vt.makemusicday.org
• Make Music Alliance: makemusicday.org