Mayor Woodford Proclaims June 21 “Make Music Day”
Make Music Day returns to Downtown Appleton on Wednesday, June 21 with a multitude of free opportunities for community members of all ages to literally join the band and make music. Make Music Appleton is part of an international effort to have communities present music-making opportunities to interested participants and is staged in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries across the world, with nearly 100 cities in the U.S. participating.
This will be the sixth year for Make Music Appleton, which is curated by Heid Music’s Appleton store location along with numerous collaborators, including: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Creative Downtown Appleton, Lawrence University, Appleton Area School District and Mile of Music/Willems Marketing & Events. Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford has proclaimed June 21 as Make Music Day in Appleton, inviting community members of all ages to participate in the hands-on music events. Throughout the world, the event is coordinated by the Make Music Alliance and presented by the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants).
The global celebration of making music on the longest day of the year is offered with a local focus as a one-day event where free, live musical performances, opportunities to make music and other musical events take place around the world.
Make Music Day brings community-inclusive music-making activities to Downtown Appleton. Workshops and performances will include Ghanaian drumming, harmonica workshop, ukulele jam, a dance workshop with a touring cast member from Ain’t Too Proud, early childhood music, two special singalong showcases and more. Everyone is welcome to participate, with diverse programs and educational experiences for all ages and abilities.
“Music has such a monumental impact our community in so many ways, from the arts and culture perspective to our overall well-being,” said DeDe Heid. “Music can be integral to a well-rounded and enjoyable life and participating in the music making adds even more value.”
This year’s schedule includes more than a dozen free participation events for all ages and abilities on Wednesday, June 21. As is the nature of Make Music Day, events will be added right up to the beginning of the celebration. Among the activities currently scheduled:
– 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Heid Music, 308 E. College Avenue. In Harmony is a program of the Fox Valley Symphony which focuses on music, movement, and connections. Our music therapy-informed sessions encourage enjoyment and collaboration! The goal of In Harmony quartet musicians is to bring the joy of quality, live music to all individuals, regardless of background or ability. In Harmony encourages participation and engagement with music, by offering a variety of musical styles and genres, combined with physical, emotional, mental, and social interactions.
– 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the lawn in front of Lawrence University. Get ready to unleash your inner rhythm and join us for an exhilarating bucket drumming event in the heart of downtown Appleton! As part of the Make Music Day festivities, we invite you to grab a drumstick and a bucket and join our energetic community of music enthusiasts. No drumming experience? No problem! This interactive session is open to all ages and skill levels, so whether you’re a seasoned percussionist or a curious beginner, come and discover the power of making music with everyday objects. Let the beats resonate through the streets as we create a symphony of rhythmic sounds together. Don’t miss this chance to drum up some fun and be part of the infectious energy of Make Music Day in downtown Appleton!
– 2:00-2:45 p.m. at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s Kimberly-Clark Theater, 400 W. College Ave. Join us for the Music and Dance Program presented by IndUS. Experience a classical Kathak Dance by Anindita Neogy Anaam, Indian drums and violin by Sutanu Sur and his students and a Bollywood Medley by Mahima Grover and ensemble.
-5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel Courtyard (333 W. College Avenue). Don’t miss the Mile of Music (One-Song) Sing Along with Camille Rae of Nashville and Chris Haise of Milwaukee! Camille Rae from Nashville and Chris Haise from Milwaukee will take the stage, leading an electrifying set that will have the audience singing along and dancing with pure joy. Get ready to raise your voice, unite with fellow music lovers, and create magical memories as we come together in a harmonious celebration of music.
All events will take place rain or shine. In the event of rain or other weather circumstances, events will be moved to an indoor location.
For more information on the full schedule of activities for Make Music Day in Appleton, visit www.makemusicday.org/appleton.
