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.