A curated collection of Mass Appeal event concepts from cities across the U.S. — ready to adapt for Vermont communities.
What Are Mass Appeals?
Mass Appeal events bring together musicians of similar instruments or interests for large-scale, participatory performances. They're a signature element of Make Music Day that turns passive audiences into active music-makers.
Event Ideas by Category
🎸 String Instruments
Event | Description | Notes |
Guitar Mass Appeal | Group play-along to beginner-friendly hits with free lessons beforehand | NYC Guitar School provides song charts and tutorials |
Ukulele Jam | All ages and abilities welcome; songbooks provided | Martin Guitar offers free ukulele books |
Mandolin Mass Appeal | Led by local mandolin orchestra | Works well with folk music repertoire |
String Crossings | Any string instrument welcome; all genres and abilities | Great for fiddle, violin, cello players |
Basses Loaded | Gathering of double bass players | Appeals to classical and jazz communities |
🥁 Percussion & Drums
Event | Description | Notes |
Bucket Drumming | Learn rock, hip-hop, reggae grooves on buckets | Vic Firth donates drumsticks |
Drum Circle | Facilitated rhythm session; bring your own or use provided | Works in parks, plazas, any outdoor space |
Djembe Drum Circle | West African rhythms; all skill levels | Partner with local drum teachers |
Cymbal Jungle | Interactive cymbal playground | Zildjian Company provides cymbals |
Bucket Brigade | Participants drum on buckets and found objects | Shows music can be made with anything |
🎺 Wind & Brass
Event | Description | Notes |
Harmonica Blast | Free harmonicas + group lesson and jam | Hohner donates harmonicas (typically 50-100) |
Flute Jam | All experience levels; instruments can be provided | Partner with local music shops |
French Horns | Classical to jazz repertoire | Appeals to school band alumni |
Bagpipes | Interactive installation where performers saunter through pathways | Visually and sonically striking |
Sousapalooza | Band instrument play-along with Sousa marches | Nostalgia appeal for former band members |
🎤 Vocals & Choirs
Event | Description | Notes |
Circle Singing | Bobby McFerrin-style improvised vocal layering | All skill levels; surprisingly accessible |
Lift Every Voice | Celebration of musical diversity; multi-group sing | Community building focus |
Shower Singing | Claw-foot tub setup; people sing like it's their morning routine | Guaranteed crowd-pleaser |
Sing-Along Piano Truck | Mobile piano bar with songbooks and mics | Karaoke-style participation |
Humming | Group hum-a-long at sunset | No musical knowledge required |
🎹 Unique Concepts
Event | Description | Notes |
Conduct Us | Symphony orchestra waits for anyone to conduct | Let the public try their hand at leading |
Instrument Building Garden | Kids make instruments from craft materials | Family favorite |
Boomwhackers | Pitched hollow pipes played by hitting | Great for stadiums or large groups |
Kazoo Mass Appeal | Parade of 100 kazoo players | Free kazoos to first participants |
Music Boxes | Participants follow graphic score with small music boxes | Contemplative, artistic experience |
🎓 Educational & Interactive
Event | Description | Notes |
From Nothing to Something | History of homemade instruments (spoons, etc.) | Connects to blues, jazz, hip-hop roots |
Lyric Writing & Hip Hop Cypher | Workshop + performance circle | Great for teens and young adults |
Production Lessons | Songwriting to post-production walkthrough | Ages 14-18; partner with music schools |
Brazilian Drumming Workshop | Samba rhythms introduction | Cultural education component |
Crayon Box | Participants create graphic scores, trio performs them | Visual art meets music |
Vermont-Specific Opportunities
Natural Settings
- Water Music at Vermont lakes and rivers
- Twilight Chorus in state parks or gardens
- Stones/Water/Time/Breath at scenic waterfalls
Cultural Connections
- Fiddle Tunes Jam — strong Vermont folk tradition
- Contra Dance Musicians Gathering
- Bluegrass Jam — tie to local bluegrass scene
Community Partners
- Local symphony or chamber groups for "Conduct Us"
- School bands for Sousapalooza
- Vermont libraries for instrument-building activities
- Local breweries or coffee shops as venues
Planning Tips
- Start Simple — One well-executed Mass Appeal is better than many poorly planned ones
- Secure Instrument Donations — Contact Hohner (harmonicas), Vic Firth (drumsticks), Martin (ukulele books)
- Partner with Local Teachers — They bring expertise and students
- Choose Accessible Locations — Parks, downtown areas, farmers markets
- Document Everything — Photos and videos help with future sponsorship and recruitment