A Make Music Chicago 2015 Program

Washington Square Park, 901 North Clark Street, across from the Newberry Library (60 West Walton)

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The Newberry and the Washington Square Park Advisory Council invite musicians of all ages and abilities to sing and play along in Washington Square Park this June 21st! Gather ‘round the piano (yes, a piano in the park) and join the chorus in singing American folk favorites. Bring your guitar, flute, trumpet, cello (and chair), harmonica, or other instrument of choice and accompany the singers, or play with the impropmtu ensemble at the classical music station. To end the afternoon, we will gather together to sing and play the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, “Ode to Joy,” in a spirited finale!

We'll even have an instrument-making station for kids.

Program schedule:

• 2:30 – 3 pm: Sing-and-Play-Along to “Oh! Susanna,”“Yankee Doodle,” and other well-loved American classics.
• starting at 3 pm: Participants may continue at the piano for even more sing-along songs and instrumental interludes, like the “Maple Leaf Rag,” OR head over to the classical music station to play selections from Bach, Schubert, Offenbach, and Sousa.
• 3:45 pm: The musicians at the piano and classical stations will gather together once more for Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” grand finale.

Important details:

• The Newberry will provide the music stands and sheet music with easy-to-read parts. Professional musicians will also be on hand during the event to lead the sing-along and music stations. Just bring yourself, your music-loving friends and family, your instrument if you’d like to play it, and a chair if you want one. (We cannot guarantee chairs for musicians or onlookers, so we strongly suggest participants arrange for their own seating.) Don’t have an instrument? We’ll have materials on hand for kids of all ages to make their own while supplies last!
• Making music in the park before and after the official program is encouraged. Come early and warm up or stick around after the finale to continue to the fun.
• All the music in our lineup can be found in the Newberry’s world-famous music collections. Check back soon to download the arrangements created specifically for this program!
• This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required, though we recommend you RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends! See you there rain or shine!
• Please note: the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, and bookstore are closed on Sundays, but the library’s restroom facilities will be available for Make Music Chicago participants.

Make Music Chicago in Washington Square Park is sponsored by the Newberry and the Washington Square Park Advisory Council, with support from the Chicago Free for All Fund at the Chicago Community Trust.