The Florida State University College of Music is proud to announce the first annual “Day of Community Music,” a city-wide celebration of music, service, and connection, taking place on Monday, October 12, 2026. This inaugural event will bring together FSU studios, ensembles, classes, student organizations, faculty, and musicians with community partners across Tallahassee for a day of engaging musical activities and an evening public fair and performances.
“The Day of Community Music grew out of conversations with the City of Tallahassee about the need for engaging programming for children during ‘no school’ day camps,” explained Dr. Carrie Danielson, Assistant Professor of Musicology and Les and Ruth Akers Endowed Chair in Community Music for the FSU College of Music. “We started thinking about how we could build on that idea and create a full day of musicians getting out into the community and engaging with people in lots of different ways.”
From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., groups from the College of Music and the broader Tallahassee community will lead participatory performances, workshops, activities, and service projects at locations across the city, including community and senior centers.
The day’s activities culminate in an evening of free musical performances and activities at Cascades Park from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., including a community resource fair, a jam tent, food trucks, and an activity space where younger kids can participate in drawing, instrument making, and other hands-on activities.
Jointly hosted by the City of Tallahassee and Florida State University, with support from featured sponsors COCA, Opening Nights, SCAMS, and Tallahassee Community Friends of Old Time Dance, the evening performances will range from classical to mariachi, with a special appearance by the FAMU and FSU gospel choirs.
“Even though this is a one-day event,” said Danielson, “I hope it leads to meaningful, sustainable connections and encourages more people to get involved and see the impact music can have across our community.”
Central to those future efforts will be the College of Music’s new Center for Music Leadership and Community Engagement, headed by Dr. Blaire Koerner. As the Center’s inaugural Director, Koerner is looking forward to enhancing the College’s presence within the community and strengthening existing relationships with local arts and music organizations to build permanent, structural collaborations.
“I see the Center as becoming the focal point of community engagement for the College of Music,” explained Koerner, “helping to allocate resources more efficiently, developing strategic ways of strengthening existing programs and building new ones, and essentially being THE place to get started.”
“FSU has contributed to the community for over a century, creating a rich web of partnerships,” said Koerner. “The Center’s role is to serve as the keystone—turning those connection points into building blocks for long-term programs. Whether through internships, collaborative projects, or joint events, we are focused on intentionality and long-term sustainability.”
Interested in participating or volunteering?
Raise your hand by completing one of the forms below!
Activity and Tabling Registration Form
Community ensembles and organizations interested in leading an activity or tabling must complete the registration form by Friday, September 18, 2026.
If you’d like to request a site visit or participate in daytime activities and you are NOT affiliated with FSU, please contact Carrie Danielson.
Volunteer Registration Form
Individuals interested in helping during the day-time Community Center events and/or the evening Celebration at Cascades Park should sign-up by Monday, October 4, 2026.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Carrie Danielson
Assistant Professor of Musicology;
Les and Ruth Akers Endowed Chair in Community Music
cdanielson@fsu.edu
