Mass Appeal is back for a second year, giving New Yorkers without groups of their own a chance to take part in the music-making, by bringing together hundreds of musicians to play pieces written for single types of instruments. From the rusty cellist to the professional circuit bender, all are welcome to join these epic events, all taking place outdoors on Monday, June 21st. Mass Appeal 2010 was coordinated by MMNY volunteer Yvonne Liu.
Mass Appeal 2009 in the news:
- "Sound of Music," by Justin Silverman, New York Post, June 20, 2009.
- "Gatherings of unusual instruments make sweet music citywide," by Bill Egbert, New York Daily News, June 22, 2009.
- "Symphony of the City," by Alex Ross, New Yorker, July 6, 2009.
Any Instrument Welcome - Composers Collaborative continues its MMNY block party tradition, with a performance of Terry Riley's In C that's open to all. Performance from 6pm - 7:30pm in the middle of Cornelia Street in Manhattan; to join, please register here.
Accordions
Where & When
Washington Park (JJ Byrne)
3rd St and Fifth Ave, Brooklyn
6PM - 8PM
On The Program
Accordionists are invited to participate in a musical environment directed by Bob Goldberg. Accordion Forest 2 is a collage in which each player (or small group) performs from his/her/their personal repertoire. Square Dance creates an intense sustained texture as it moves around the Park's central square.
Accordionists are invited to participate in a musical environment directed by Bob Goldberg. Accordion Forest 2 is a collage in which each player (or small group) performs from his/her/their personal repertoire. Square Dance creates an intense sustained texture as it moves around the Park's central square.
How To Join
For information, email famousaccordions@earthlink.net, identify yourself and describe what you do as an accordionist. Bob Goldberg (director of the Famous Accordion Orchestra) will contact you with instructions.
For information, email famousaccordions@earthlink.net, identify yourself and describe what you do as an accordionist. Bob Goldberg (director of the Famous Accordion Orchestra) will contact you with instructions.
Bagpipes
Where & When
Herald Square
34th St and Broadway, Manhattan
6:30PM - 8PM
On The Program
Herald Square will echo with the magical sounds of the massed pipes and drums as favorite Irish, Scottish, and American tunes fill the air. Under the direction of Pipe Major Patrick Duffy, this mass band will have something for everyone, whether you are a seasoned veteran or just a beginner.
Herald Square will echo with the magical sounds of the massed pipes and drums as favorite Irish, Scottish, and American tunes fill the air. Under the direction of Pipe Major Patrick Duffy, this mass band will have something for everyone, whether you are a seasoned veteran or just a beginner.
How To Join
Just bring your pipes, drums and a good attitude! While kilt are not required, please feel free to wear yours. For comments or suggestions, contact Pat Duffy at massbandnyc@gmail.com. See you there!
Just bring your pipes, drums and a good attitude! While kilt are not required, please feel free to wear yours. For comments or suggestions, contact Pat Duffy at massbandnyc@gmail.com. See you there!
Cast-Iron Buildings
Where & When
Spring St and Sixth Ave, Manhattan
1PM
On The Program
Daniel Goode leads participants on a "SoHo Gamelan Walk" aided by a neighborhood map and suggested hand rhythms, to turn the "best" SoHo cast-iron buildings into resonant gong instruments with hand clapping. The piece ends when a select number of buildings have been turned into instruments.
Daniel Goode leads participants on a "SoHo Gamelan Walk" aided by a neighborhood map and suggested hand rhythms, to turn the "best" SoHo cast-iron buildings into resonant gong instruments with hand clapping. The piece ends when a select number of buildings have been turned into instruments.
Cellos
Where & When
Dag Hammerskjold Plaza
First Ave and E. 46th St, Manhattan
6PM - 8PM
On The Program
This year's event will be a tribute to Pablo Casals, with a set that includes some of his works, as well as a unison performance of the Prelude to Bach's First Cello Suite and arrangements of classical and folk music. There will also be an extended structured improvisation designed to blend the natural resonance of many cellos with the sounds of Midtown East.
This year's event will be a tribute to Pablo Casals, with a set that includes some of his works, as well as a unison performance of the Prelude to Bach's First Cello Suite and arrangements of classical and folk music. There will also be an extended structured improvisation designed to blend the natural resonance of many cellos with the sounds of Midtown East.
How To Join
There will be a rehearsal the day before (Sunday June 20th) at St. Francis de Sales Church, 135 East 96th St, 3-6 pm. Attendance at the rehearsal is not mandatory to participate. Cellists of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Please feel free to contact James at jdj83061@gmail.com with your questions.
There will be a rehearsal the day before (Sunday June 20th) at St. Francis de Sales Church, 135 East 96th St, 3-6 pm. Attendance at the rehearsal is not mandatory to participate. Cellists of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Please feel free to contact James at jdj83061@gmail.com with your questions.
Circuit benders
Where & When
Gansevoort St and Ninth Ave, Manhattan
6PM
On The Program
Electronic musicians will perform on short-circuited devices such as children's toys, keyboards and drum machines, creating a world of unpredictable and spontaneous sounds. Bring or make your own instruments at our workshops and music-making stations, and then join us for a massive concert event at 6p.
Electronic musicians will perform on short-circuited devices such as children's toys, keyboards and drum machines, creating a world of unpredictable and spontaneous sounds. Bring or make your own instruments at our workshops and music-making stations, and then join us for a massive concert event at 6p.
How To Join
We need performers to lead improvisations at public music making stations and to play in the 6pm Mass Appeal Concert. We need volunteers to help lead and assist in workshops and to help in general setup and event management. Contact: poppedbubblewrap@gmail.com
We need performers to lead improvisations at public music making stations and to play in the 6pm Mass Appeal Concert. We need volunteers to help lead and assist in workshops and to help in general setup and event management. Contact: poppedbubblewrap@gmail.com
Clarinets
Where & When
Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel
Broadway and W. 48th St, Manhattan
6PM - 7PM
On The Program
A clarinet choir led by Paul Steinfeld performs pop and classical pieces. Then anyone who shows up with a clarinet can join in to play a few easier pieces.
A clarinet choir led by Paul Steinfeld performs pop and classical pieces. Then anyone who shows up with a clarinet can join in to play a few easier pieces.
How To Join
Bring your clarinet and music stand. RSVP by contacting Paul Steinfeld at paul.steinfeld@verizon.net, and inquire about sheet music and attending rehearsals.
Bring your clarinet and music stand. RSVP by contacting Paul Steinfeld at paul.steinfeld@verizon.net, and inquire about sheet music and attending rehearsals.
Flutes
Where & When
Bethesda Fountain Tunnel
Central Park at 72nd St, Manhattan
2PM - 4PM
On The Program
Two hours featuring a wide variety of music ranging from Bach to Brazilian and Popular hits performed by flutists of all ages and levels. Led by Mary-Ann Tu, the event welcomes everyone for sightreading and meeting other flutists.
Two hours featuring a wide variety of music ranging from Bach to Brazilian and Popular hits performed by flutists of all ages and levels. Led by Mary-Ann Tu, the event welcomes everyone for sightreading and meeting other flutists.
How To Join
Invite your flute along and bring a stand. Please contact Mary-Ann Tu, maryann.tu@gmail.com, if you would like to join in the fun. All skills welcome.
Invite your flute along and bring a stand. Please contact Mary-Ann Tu, maryann.tu@gmail.com, if you would like to join in the fun. All skills welcome.
French Horns
Where & When
(1) Madison Square Park, Broadway and E. 24th St, Manhattan 1PM - 2:30PM.
(2) Archway under Manhattan Bridge, Water St and Anchorage Pl, Brooklyn. 6:30PM - 7:15PM.
On The Program
The French Horn Nation! is an amicable aggregation of conical bore brass instruments that will delight with dulcet tones and mellifluous melodies! Translation? A whole bunch of French Horn players in one place at one time! We'll perform all kinds of Horn-centric music from classical to jazz to something we wrote the night before.
The French Horn Nation! is an amicable aggregation of conical bore brass instruments that will delight with dulcet tones and mellifluous melodies! Translation? A whole bunch of French Horn players in one place at one time! We'll perform all kinds of Horn-centric music from classical to jazz to something we wrote the night before.
How To Join
Bring your horn. Contact Mark Taylor at mark@marktaylormusic.net with questions about preparing for the music program.
Bring your horn. Contact Mark Taylor at mark@marktaylormusic.net with questions about preparing for the music program.
Gongs
Where & When
Merchants' Gate
Columbus Circle, Manhattan
4PM - 6PM
On The Program
NYC percussion duo Loop 2.4.3 will lead a Gong Ensemble. Participants will receive instructions and be directed through the premiere performance of a new composition by duo members Thomas Kozumplik and Lorne Watson that includes elements of improvisation. Loop 2.4.3 will perform other original works in between presentations of the gong premiere.
NYC percussion duo Loop 2.4.3 will lead a Gong Ensemble. Participants will receive instructions and be directed through the premiere performance of a new composition by duo members Thomas Kozumplik and Lorne Watson that includes elements of improvisation. Loop 2.4.3 will perform other original works in between presentations of the gong premiere.
How To Join
Contact tk@loop243.com. If you have your own gong - let us know the type and size. Otherwise, we may be able to provide you with an instrument: Loop 2.4.3 is partnering with Carroll Music to feature a wide variety of gongs from around the world, from 6" Chinese opera gongs to a 52" Swiss creation.
Contact tk@loop243.com. If you have your own gong - let us know the type and size. Otherwise, we may be able to provide you with an instrument: Loop 2.4.3 is partnering with Carroll Music to feature a wide variety of gongs from around the world, from 6" Chinese opera gongs to a 52" Swiss creation.
Guitars
Where & When
Union Square W & E
14th St, Manhattan
5PM - 8PM
On The Program
Guitarists invade Union Square in what is rumored to be the largest ensemble of guitarists the world has ever seen! Covers of classic rock, folk, and pop masterpieces are performed as one massive strumming entity, with brief sets by local musicians and performing artists. Produced by NYC Guitar School.
Guitarists invade Union Square in what is rumored to be the largest ensemble of guitarists the world has ever seen! Covers of classic rock, folk, and pop masterpieces are performed as one massive strumming entity, with brief sets by local musicians and performing artists. Produced by NYC Guitar School.
How To Join
Contact Genifer Owen at massappeal@nycguitarschool.com to register, and receive all chords and charts necessary to learn the songs You can RSVP via meetup.com. Practice jams will be scheduled for those who need some tips. Guitarists of all ages and styles are welcome.
Contact Genifer Owen at massappeal@nycguitarschool.com to register, and receive all chords and charts necessary to learn the songs You can RSVP via meetup.com. Practice jams will be scheduled for those who need some tips. Guitarists of all ages and styles are welcome.
Harmonicas
Where & When
Petrosino Square
Lafayette St and Cleveland Pl, Manhattan
12:30PM - 2:30PM
On The Program
Petrosino Square becomes the harmonica hotspot for showcasing this easily learned instrument. Anyone is welcome: kids, young people, adults, seniors, and whole families. Bring any type of harmonica (preferably Key of C), and world-class harmonica virtuoso Jia-Yi He will soon have you blowing the music away as part of a massed harmonica band.
Petrosino Square becomes the harmonica hotspot for showcasing this easily learned instrument. Anyone is welcome: kids, young people, adults, seniors, and whole families. Bring any type of harmonica (preferably Key of C), and world-class harmonica virtuoso Jia-Yi He will soon have you blowing the music away as part of a massed harmonica band.
How To Join
Bring a harmonica! Contact Jia-Yi He at hejiayi@yahoo.com for places to purchase one for a few dollars. No experience necessary to join.
Bring a harmonica! Contact Jia-Yi He at hejiayi@yahoo.com for places to purchase one for a few dollars. No experience necessary to join.
iPhones (and other Apple products)
Where & When
14th St and Ninth Av, Manhattan
5PM
On The Program
Often cited as the first minimalist musical work, Terry Riley's "In C" exists in the space between composition and improvisation. "Mobile In C" brings this 20th century work into the 21st century by using Apple's popular mobile platforms allowing anyone, regardless of musical background, to participate in the piece. Experience the magic of strangers working together to truly become an ensemble.
Often cited as the first minimalist musical work, Terry Riley's "In C" exists in the space between composition and improvisation. "Mobile In C" brings this 20th century work into the 21st century by using Apple's popular mobile platforms allowing anyone, regardless of musical background, to participate in the piece. Experience the magic of strangers working together to truly become an ensemble.
How To Join
1) Come to the event with either an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. 2) Download "Mrmr OSC controller" from the App Store (it's free). 3) In the main settings for your phone, select the "In C Server" as the WiFi service. 4) Open Mrmr. 5) Have your mind blown.
1) Come to the event with either an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. 2) Download "Mrmr OSC controller" from the App Store (it's free). 3) In the main settings for your phone, select the "In C Server" as the WiFi service. 4) Open Mrmr. 5) Have your mind blown.
Saxophones
Where & When
Richard Tucker Square
Broadway and W. 66th St, Manhattan
6PM - 8PM
On The Program
Join a large group of saxophonists to play music that will broadly fall under the category of jazz, including special arrangements by ensemble members.
Join a large group of saxophonists to play music that will broadly fall under the category of jazz, including special arrangements by ensemble members.
Trombones
Where & When
Dana Discovery Center
Central Park: 110th St & 5th Ave
7PM - 9PM
On The Program
Kevin McCormack assembles The Trombone Gathering! Trombonists of all shapes, sizes and ages are welcome to join us at Central Park North where we will play selections such as an excerpt from Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" and a special arrangement of "One Note Samba".
Kevin McCormack assembles The Trombone Gathering! Trombonists of all shapes, sizes and ages are welcome to join us at Central Park North where we will play selections such as an excerpt from Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" and a special arrangement of "One Note Samba".
How To Join
Bring your 'bone 'cause you won't be alone! For more info and to attend a rehearsal, email tbonemmny@gmail.com.
Bring your 'bone 'cause you won't be alone! For more info and to attend a rehearsal, email tbonemmny@gmail.com.
Trumpets
Where & When
Bowling Green Park
Broadway & Whitehall St, Manhattan
5PM - 7PM.
On The Program
Trumpets from all over NYC gather at Bowling Green to serenade lower Manhattan at sunset. The program includes new arrangements of the classic Gershwin tune "Summertime" as well as Rimsky Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee" Led by Nicholas Mauro.
Trumpets from all over NYC gather at Bowling Green to serenade lower Manhattan at sunset. The program includes new arrangements of the classic Gershwin tune "Summertime" as well as Rimsky Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee" Led by Nicholas Mauro.
How To Join
Own a trumpet and contact Nicholas Mauro, nhmjazz@gmail.com, for details and any questions about the program.
Own a trumpet and contact Nicholas Mauro, nhmjazz@gmail.com, for details and any questions about the program.
Tubas
Where & When
Dante Park
Broadway and W. 63rd St, Manhattan
6PM - 7:30PM
On The Program
The premiere performance of the New York Tubas will consist of an assembly of tubas and euphonia (and no doubt a sprinkling of trombones) directly across the street from Lincoln Center. The resonant sounds of assembled low brass should reverberate throughout the vicinity, infusing harmony into the solstice festivities.
The premiere performance of the New York Tubas will consist of an assembly of tubas and euphonia (and no doubt a sprinkling of trombones) directly across the street from Lincoln Center. The resonant sounds of assembled low brass should reverberate throughout the vicinity, infusing harmony into the solstice festivities.
How To Join
Tubas, euphonia, and sousaphones are all welcome! Please contact alangilbert@earthlink.net for details.
Tubas, euphonia, and sousaphones are all welcome! Please contact alangilbert@earthlink.net for details.
Ukuleles
Where & When
Union Square Greenmarket
Broadway and E. 17th St, Manhattan
4PM - 8PM.
On The Program
More than 20 of the NY area's best ukers perform a variety of music. Each act includes at least one audience play-along. Lead sheets will be provided.
More than 20 of the NY area's best ukers perform a variety of music. Each act includes at least one audience play-along. Lead sheets will be provided.
How To Join
Just strum on over for a good ukulele time. No need to register in advance, but if you have questions, email rickbruner at gmail. Bring a uke, and, if you can, a music stand and/or D batteries (for our amps).
Just strum on over for a good ukulele time. No need to register in advance, but if you have questions, email rickbruner at gmail. Bring a uke, and, if you can, a music stand and/or D batteries (for our amps).
Violins
Where & When
Union Square Greenmarket
Broadway and E. 17th St, Manhattan
Noon - 2PM.
On The Program
All violin-ers participating in the Mass Appeal for Violins will be playing at Union Square from 12pm-4pm. We'll be playing fiddle tunes, classic violin pieces, a little rock and roll and the increasingly exciting jams of Suzuki (woo!). You won't want to miss these melodies!
All violin-ers participating in the Mass Appeal for Violins will be playing at Union Square from 12pm-4pm. We'll be playing fiddle tunes, classic violin pieces, a little rock and roll and the increasingly exciting jams of Suzuki (woo!). You won't want to miss these melodies!