M2 offers 'instrument petting zoo' at First Friday and Farmers' Market

Dancing to the beat of its own drums, DePauw University's Music on the Square (or M2 for short) will host two instrument petting zoos on successive days next week.

The program is scheduled during First Friday, Sept. 4 from 6:30--7:30 p.m., and during the Farmers' Market, Saturday, Sept. 5 from 9 a.m.--noon.

Dedicated to music education and community engagement, Music on the Square invites all Putnam County children -- as well as lifelong learners of all ages -- to join in the weekend festivities, which will include interactive drum circles, in addition to the instrument petting zoos.

As participants sit in a circle playing different percussion instruments, instructors from M2's Community Music Program will guide the music-making with fun, interactive games and movements. Once a groove has been established, the instructors will begin improvising on their own instruments.

After playing as a group, everyone is invited to speak with the instructors to learn more about the instruments that interest them. During the petting zoos, children may also find out more about enrolling in lessons with Music on the Square's Community Music Program.

"It's a great opportunity to reconnect with previous instructors, meet new potential instructors or just have fun," said M2's event coordinator Brooke Addison, who confirms that the community music center will also be providing the percussion instruments for the drum circles.

Located in downtown Greencastle at 21 N. Indiana St. (the renovated old Goodwill building at Indiana and Franklin streets), Music on the Square fosters a space for "courageous music-making." Gathering as a community of music lovers, the center strives to spark curiosity, expand creativity and cultivate collaboration through one-on-one lessons, adult-learning classes, coached ensembles, and breathtaking performances.

Everyone is invited to engage in continuing and new programming offered at the new venue.