In partnership with
OFFICIAL ENTRY - 2026 ANTHEM AWARD
River of Song, October Project's inaugural activation for Make Music New York's 20th Anniversary, invited New Yorkers of all ages to sing and/or march with the All-City Marching Band along the Hudson River from Riverside Park to Pier I—a jubilant flashmob parade, free and open to the public, bringing harmony and joy to the streets of NYC. Singers and non-singers alike united in October Project’s award-winning round “Joy,” written by Julie Flanders and Emil Adler, culminating in a choral performance at Pier I.
Named “THE Make Music New York vocal program of the season,” we aim to bring the River of Song to cities around the world in celebration of Make Music Day every year!
There are many reasons to march. THIS is a MARCH FOR JOY!
ABOUT THE EVENT
In June of 2026, October Project Music was invited by Make Music New York to organize a flashmob parade of JOY with the Official Marching Band of NYC, a one-of-a-kind choral procession of our award-winning song “Joy” from The Book of Rounds: 21 Songs of Grace. Here’s a look at how we did it.
THE TRAILER
Come join a Flashmob of Joy in Riverside Park in NYC with the Official Marching Band of NYC, a choral procession of October Project’s award-winning song “Joy” from The Book of Rounds: 21 Songs of Grace by Julie Flanders & Emil Adler.
PARADE SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2026
1:30–5:00 pm • Rain or Shine
MEET-UP:
St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church (West End Avenue at 86th St.)
1:30
CHOIRS
2:30
PARADE-GOERS
PARADE:
Riverside Park, from 86th Street. to Pier I at 71st St.
3:30 - 4:30
Sing or simply March along with us!
PERFORMANCE:
Pier I
4:30 - 5:00
Choral performance of Joy, Turn & Home from The Book of Rounds
REGISTRATION
Choir Director: James John ~ Marching Band Director: Alex Jung
Produced by October Project Music: Marina Belica, Emil Adler, Julie Flanders
Notice of Filming and Photography
Photographers and/or news media will be present at this event. By participating and being present during the event, you give October Project and Make Music NY the right to use photographs and video/audio recordings taken of you during the event for promotional purposes and for sharing with social and external news media. If you do not wish to appear in photographs or be recorded, please do not register for the event.
HOME - THE SATB ARRANGEMENT
THE VIRTUAL CHOIR OF JOY
LEARN MORE ABOUT
THE BOOK OF ROUNDS
“Joy” is one of 21 original musical rounds comprising the song cycle The Book of Rounds: 21 Songs of Grace, written by Julie Flanders and Emil Adler.
MEET THE PEOPLE
James John
James John is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College-CUNY where he conducts the Queens College Vocal Ensemble, the Queens College Choral Society, and heads the graduate program in choral conducting. Dr. John also serves as Artistic Director of the Manhattan-based vocal ensemble, Cerddorion (www.cerddorion.org). He received his doctorate in conducting from the Eastman School of Music.
In addition to guest conducting and lecture appearances overseas in Tokyo, Freiburg, Basel and Stockholm, he has conducted in many of New York's prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Weill Recital Hall and St. Patrick's Cathedral. He has also contracted choirs for Josh Groban, including appearances on The Tonight Show and the opening ceremonies of the U.S. Open, as well as for his Stages tour of New York City.
He received the Queens College President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in April of 2025.
