Although many concert band and jazz ensemble performances carry an air of formality, the Ball State University School of Music's annual concert series provides students and community members a chance to see jazz and wind performances in a more informal setting.
The summer outdoor concert series begins this month with performances by the jazz ensemble on Wednesday and the wind ensemble on June 13th.
Meryl Mantione, director of the School of Music, said the performances are a throwback to an era when outdoor concerts were prevalent during the summer. She said the School of Music wants to replicate that kind of atmosphere. The performances are as much a chance for community interaction as they are a chance to hear music.
"It was a chance for people in the community to come together, an informal opportunity to come together and hear music," she said.
Mantione encouraged those who attend to bring lawn chairs and food to eat.
Thomas Caneva, director of bands, said part of the informal atmosphere of these performances is a welcome change of pace.
Caneva said the wind ensemble would try to match the relaxed atmosphere with more informal, lighter pieces, including marches, patriotic pieces and compositions from musicals.
"They're more relaxed performances," Caneva said. "Kids can run around - it's just more accessible music."
Mantione said while the summer outdoor concert series offers a more informal setting for people to see performances, it serves a second purpose.
"It provides opportunities for community and educational outreach," Mantione said. "It's important to be positive about the impact we have on community. It's a way of thanking the Muncie community for everything they do for us -¡- which is a lot."
The performances are held at 5:30 p.m. at the Arts Terrace and are free and open to the public. The Arts Terrace is located on the stairway leading to the Museum of Art. In case of rainy weather, the performances will be moved to Sursa Performance Hall.
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