Now and then some classical pundit will write a hand-wringing column about drawing younger audiences, usually including a call to make music somehow more “interactive.” Because today’s wired kids apparently find it hard merely to sit and observe something. (They have no problem with TV and movies, but never mind.) So they rack their brains for gimmicky schemes to get people doing something during concerts; orchestras in Cincinnati and Indianapolis, for instance, have established Twitter sections for those with Restless Thumb Syndrome and friends who are dying to read “smokin’ tuba lick!!! #shostakovichrocks.” But if only there were some less superficial way to get people invested in music-making, to make them feel like they’re actually contributing . . . maybe . . . no, it’s too crazy, it would never work. But just suppose . . . nah . . . OK, I’ll tell you. Here’s my wild, unprecedented idea for making music more interactive. Perhaps you could LEARN TO PLAY OR SING. It may not get you into the Seattle Symphony, but there are easily a dozen each of local community orchestras and choirs who would love to have you. For one thing, there are sing-along Messiahs every Christmas, and Eric O’Del is conducting one tonight. Bring your own score or rent one there, and stand shoulder to shoulder with those who’ve always dreamed of belting out the “Hallelujah!” chorus. And if you prefer just to listen to Handel’s 1741 setting of the Nativity story, the Seattle Symphony is presenting its annual Messiah tonight (8 p.m. Benaroya Hall), too (and also Sat. & Sun.) Do-it-yourself or fully professional, Handel can handle any treatment. GAVIN BORCHERT

Fri., Dec. 16, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 17, 1 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, 2 p.m., 2011