Current Event and Performance Schedule:
                                                                                                                                                                Updated 3/10/26

                                                                                     Well, That Was Fun!


Thanks to all those who attended our performance at the River Valley High School auditorium.  It is a great venue, and provides a comfortable setting for both performers and audience members.

Following that, we did take a week off from rehearsals.  Mostly that was to properly put away the "old" music, and select the "new" to fill folders for the next performance.  One thing that operates on a completely different time line is scheduling the 2026 Summer Concert Series.  That goes on behind the scenes, and "isn't done until it's done".  To put the process in perspective, it is similar to the process of scheduling 10 consecutive family/friend weekend excursions. 

* No one is ever available for every date.
* Everyone already has their own plans for the summer.
* You wouldn't want to visit the same theme park on consecutive weekends.
* The list of who you want to hang out with for the entire weekend changes annually.

We are pleased to say that based on audience requests, the list and schedule of performers has been finalized.  IT has been an exciting, but slow process, and makes you appreciate what major venues go through, like Marion's Palace Theater.  Read more about this below.


Speaking of which, the next thing on the calendar is actually a number of individual events.  We like to group them under the heading of "High School Musical Season", which describes it best.  Each high school presents a different musical, most of which are performed at Marion's beautiful Palace Theater.  They are awesome displays of local talent and creativity.  For those who might be thinking along the lines of "these are just high school kids, they can't be that good," we have some things to consider.  Many of those performing use those experiences to springboard into related careers.  Many have become professional singers, dancers, and musicians, performing in regional and national theaters, including Broadway and opera productions.  We're not saying you will be watching the next Taylor Swift, but maybe you will.  Show up and decide for yourself!    

We now have the performance dates!

March 6-7-8, 2026, Ridgedale will present Disney's High School Musical 2.  The performances will be held at Marion's Palace Theatre.  Tickets are now on sale at the Box Office.

March 13-14-15, 2026, Pleasant High School will present 9 to 5 The Musical.  The performances will be held at Marion's Palace Theatre.  Tickets are now on sale at the Box Office.

March 20-21-22, 2026, Elgin High School will present Anything Goes.  The performances will be held at Marion's Palace Theatre.  Tickets are now on sale at the Box Office.

April 17-18-19, 2026, River Valley High School will present The Wizard of Oz.  The performances will be held at the River Valley High School Auditorium.

And if you can't decide which one to attend, nothing says you can't attend them all!


There are three things remaining to be mentioned:

- This summer the good old USA will be celebrating 250 years!  Special events have been in the planning stages since last fall.  As local ones are made known to us, we will list them here. 

- We couldn't resist leaving up the photo of our Director, Bill Swihart from October, seen above.  That was in celebration of his 40 years conducting our group.  Since he faces the musicians during most of our performances, we thought it would be nice to have people see his smiling face.  You're welcome.


We have finalized the 2026 Summer Concert Series in McKinley Park.  The schedule of performers is listed below.  All performances start at 7pm, and are weather dependent.  (Electronics, woodwinds, and percussion instruments don't like being rained on any more than audience members.)  Bring a comfy chair, snacks, and/or non-acoholic beverages (it is in a city park), and enjoy quality live music!

     June 7 – John Mullins (solo)
     June 14 – Rare Vintage 10 (big band group)
     June 21 – Marion Concert Band (Father's Day)
     June 28 – Dan and Randy

     July 5 – The Palace Choir, directed by Ryan Ratliff, and the Cast of the Palace summer musical
     July 12 – Marion Concert Band
     July 19 – United in Harmony – Patriotic Concert
     July 26 – Spittin' Image

     August 2 – Whirlybirds
     August 9 – Marion Concert Band



- In closing, we would again like to recognize the sponsors who made our 2025 summer concert series possible. Thanks for contributing to the performance of “live” music in the Marion community.



American Legion Post 162
Ray & Charlotte Baldauf Trust
The Marion Community Foundation
 
Jim & Barb Greetham
Steve and Brenda Johnston
Chester Arbor 121 of Gleaner Life Insurance Society

Marion Brewing Company
Dostal and Kirk Insurance & Financial Services
Dan & Amy Erickson

LPL Financial / Jay Walker
Marion Music Club
Peacock Water

Reflexology for Relaxation
Marke & Denise Lyon
Snyder Funeral Homes

Tech ITVision / Greg and Deb Haas
Harley & Susan Hoover
"Marcela's" Baires Restaurant

The Gittinger Family
Foxglove Hollow, LLC
Allen & Jean Merritt

Marion Parks and Recreation Department
Marion Visitors & Convention Bureau
Laipply's Printing & Marketing Solutions, Inc.

Anonymous


That seems to bring us up to date for now.  As more information becomes available, we will share.
 
Stay warm (and dry), and we'll see you at the show!