What Musical Chairs Can Teach Us About Democracy

Emily Isaacson, a conductor and founder of Classical Uprising, argues that healthy democratic communities are sustained not just by civic duty but by shared joy. In this opinion piece, she describes an adult musical chairs event organized with The JoyFire Project in Portland, Maine, where participants engaged in playful competition accompanied by a live orchestra. Isaacson highlights a broader societal trend of declining social interaction and rising loneliness among adults, citing data on the drop in communal gatherings. She posits that unstructured play and shared creative experiences help rebuild the social fabric. The article suggests that activities like musical chairs serve as informal practice for democratic life, teaching participants to listen, adapt, and connect across demographic divides. By combining classical music with casual socializing, the event challenges traditional, rigid concert norms and fosters community cohesion. Isaacson concludes that while voting and organizing are essential, the emotional resilience and connection built through shared fun are equally vital for a functioning democracy.