THE CONCERT.
Select a conductor. All others sit before him in a semicircle, and each is given an imaginary musical instrument.
The conductor next directs them to tune their instruments, after which, taking a cane he waves it, as if it were a baton. He also whistles or hums a gay, familiar air. In this all join, imitating by voice and gesture the instruments they are supposed to be playing on, such as the flute, the harp, the hand-organ, the cymbals, violin, cornet, etc.
Suddenly he waves his baton and the music ceases.
The conductor then calls for solos. All the musicians give close attention, and the conductor makes believe he is playing, thus indicating which instrument he wishes to hear.
The player having that instrument must at once obey, imitating both sound and gestures. Should he fail, he must pay a forfeit.