Musical 'Sound-Stops' Created in Downtown Syracuse, NY

Everyone can be a street musician with the Percussion Play outdoor instruments that have been installed in three locations along the Connective Corridor in downtown Syracuse, NY.

Started as a partnership between Symphoria (Central New York's professional orchestra) and the Connective Corridor (a public-private partnership linking academic institutions with downtown central business districts and the arts and cultural district), the project has expanded to include the Everson Museum of Art, the SU Setnor School of Music, the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Working together, their aim was to distinguish downtown Syracuse as a uniquely creative and collaborative environment, and a fun place to live, work, and visit. Symphoria received a grant from the Regional Economic Development Council to assist with the selection of instruments. In a statement, Mayor Stephanie Miner said the durable instruments that are free to use in public space make the gift of music accessible to the community. "I am glad we are able to work with our partners at the Connective Corridor and Symphoria to enhance our streetscape and put music into the hands of more people," Miner said. Catherine Underhill, managing director of Symphoria, emphasizes the enjoyable aspect of the installations. "These instruments create a playful atmosphere in the city," she says. "They are the frosting on the cake of all the work that's been done to make the Creative Corridor a real asset for Syracuse." Among the instruments are Cajon drums, Tembos, Babel drums and Bell Lyres and Papilio all designed for year-round music-making, are harmonious together, require no prior training or musical knowledge to play, and are family-friendly and ADA accessible. Symphoria encourage you to go out and visit the Syracuse Sound Stops to try your hand! Be sure to share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #SyrSoundStops tagging @SymphoriaCNY