By: Jennifer Johnson—
Muncie, IN – Join the Muncie Symphony Orchestra for “Festival on the Green” this Saturday, June 11th, on the lawn of the Ball State University Arts Terrace. An Arts Fair, presented by the Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MACC), will be from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra concert beginning at 7:00 pm. Inclement weather location is the Ball State Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
An anticipated annual tradition, “Festival on the Green” is free and open to the public. The community is invited to bring picnics, chairs, blankets, etc., to enjoy the afternoon’s festivities which include the MSO Super Conductor contest, a picnic contest with the “Play Ball” festival theme, local artists, children’s activities, and the MSO concert at 7:00 pm.
“Our annual Festival on the Green concert is one of my favorite concerts of the year. You simply can’t beat an arts fair and great music from the MSO in a beautiful atmosphere! This year’s theme is ‘Play Ball!’ where all music is related to sports, recreation, and fun,” said Douglas Droste, MSO Artistic Director and Conductor.
The MSO Super Conductor Contest is currently underway and with a new twist! For the very first time in the history of the contest, this fun competition will feature Super Conductor candidate couples: Kent Shuff & Steve Fennimore, Staci & Steve Slavin, and Laura & Michael Williamson. Al Rent, a previous Super Conductor winner, exclaimed “Being a candidate for MSO Super Conductor was a real thrill, and winning was icing on the baton!” To take part in deciding which couple will be named 2016 MSO Super Conductor, vote online at munciesymphony.org or contact the MSO office. Multiple votes for each candidate are acceptable and encouraged. Each vote is $1.
MSO Super Conductor Contest candidate couples.
The Muncie Symphony Orchestra will host a picnic contest prior to the concert. This year’s theme is “Play Ball!” Prizes will be awarded for “Best Theme”, “Best Menu”, and “People’s Choice”. To register a picnic, visit the MSO website or register on the event day at the information tent. The picnic contest concludes at 6:30 pm. There is no fee to enter.
The MACC Arts Fair and children’s activities will feature local artists and organizations. Offerings will include art activities for families provided by the David Owsley Museum of Art, art and jewelry pieces for sale, the MSO instrument petting zoo and more. While the event is free, opportunities will be available to purchase items from vendors including Mystic Muse, Bubbles Baubles & Oddities, Boyd Pottery, Shaw Creations, Art of Leonski, Let There Be Art, and more.
This annual concert and event is presented by Mutual Bank, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, The Shafer Foundation and Muncie Arts and Culture Council. Muncie Symphony season partnership and support provided by Ball State University, Muncie Power Products, Indiana Arts Commission, Indiana Public Radio, and WIPB.
For more information, visit munciesymphony.org or contact the MSO office, (765) 285-5531.
Jennifer Johnson is Executive Director, Muncie Symphony Orchestra
