Current Event and Performance Schedule:
Updated 9/20/23
We've only just begun!
Yep, we have resumed rehearsals. In addition to having new music introduced for upcoming performances, we were thrilled to welcome new members to our group. Like any other first-time experience in a different location there was a learning curve. You've likely gone through a similar process, with questions like:
Am I in the right place?
Did I park in the right lot?
Which room do we use?
Where do I sit?
Is there a required uniform?
Do we have to pay dues (pay to play)?
Where are the restrooms?
And the list goes on. You can probably add to the list from your personal experiences.
With the resumption of rehearsals we now have two performances on the horizon.
On Sunday, October 15th, we will be having our annual fall concert at the River Valley High School Auditorium. The performance is scheduled for 3pm, and is free to attend. We consider ourselves blessed to perform there. It is a roomy space with excellent acoustics and is easy to access with large (and heavy) equipment. For the audience, it also boasts comfortable seating. Although we'd like to think our music is so captivating as to remove any other concerns from your mind, we've all felt the posterior pain of uncomfortable seating. That isn't an issue there.
On Sunday, November 5th, we will be joining other performers at Marion's First Presbyterian Church for their annual celebration of our veterans. Unlike our performance at River Valley, we are one of a variety of performers for this event. Our current information is for the program to start at 4pm, with no charge for admission.
Again, for those who were able to attend all or part of the summer concert series, thank you! There were the usual summer distractions - rain, helicopters, mosquitoes, etc. In spite of that, each night's performance was well attended. We were blown away by the response to the various performers who appeared. This is only possible by the support of our community, which obviously enjoys live musical events.
As mentioned in other posts, support is not just attendance, but financial. Through the generosity of our sponsors we have been able to provide compensation for the various performers to defray their expenses. This is with the obvious exception of the Marion Concert Band, who contributes their time and energy to make the summer concert series a success. We are pleased to note that we have already received significant contributions toward the costs of continuing this series in 2024. If you would like to contribute toward the 2024 schedule, check our the Sponsors tab on this site.
There is yet another opportunity to contribute toward the 2024 season - tell us who you'd like to have perform. That can be specific groups or general musical styles, and can be as specific or general as you wish. Obviously, if you have contact information for desired groups that would be appreciated. While we can guarantee that we will consider each suggestion, many things go into planning a concert schedule. Among the most difficult to resolve are available performance dates, presenting a variety of musical styles, and requested group compensation. All that considered, we'd love to hear what you'd like to experience next summer.
That seem to bring us up to date for now. As more information becomes available, we will share.
Stay warm, and we'll see you at the show!