From wine and white tablecloths to picnic baskets and blankets, people chose to enjoy the gorgeous weather and good music at Symphony on the Green in their own way.
Thousands came to the North Quad and relaxed as the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and other musicians entertained. Children played with frisbees. Adults drank wine. And students sat on blankets and enjoyed the breeze.
The event featured nine performances from choral groups, theater troupes, symphonies and even belly dancers. It also had an artisan market with handmade goods.
The Muncie Symphony Orchestra capped off the night with an hour-long performance.
Master's clinical exercise physiology major Michelle San Miguel had a picnic with a friend. She said her favorite part was when the Muncie Symphony played Flight of the Bumblebee.
Economics professor Cecil Bohanon donned a red double-billed truckers cap and a Mickey Mouse umbrella and led a parade of children as the Muncie Symphony played the Washington Post March and the audience clapped along.
Conducter Bohuslav Rattay said he was pleased with the day. He said the music sounded good and there was a big turnout. He said the symphony raised money, which is extremely important in the current economic climate.
Ball State alumna Marjorie Green came with her husband Ralph. She said her favorite part was the East Central Indiana Youth Symphony Orchestra. She also said it had been years since she had an opportunity to listen to the Muncie Symphony. She said she was impressed with the way the symphony had improved.
Michael Hoots of Muncie sold his handmade wood products at the artisan market. He said it was his first time on Ball State's campus. Although he didn't sell much, he said it was still a fun day. He said events like this are a great way for people from the Muncie community to learn about what the Ball State campus has to offer.
Elissa McDonald, executive director of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, said this is the third year the event has featured artisans and other performers. She said the symphony is making an effort to have the event be more of a festival featuring several cultural attractions, rather than focusing on the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.
She said the Symphony on the Green showcased the diversity of the arts and cultural attractions Muncie has to offer.
She said she hoped the event would encourage people from Ball State to venture into the downtown arts district more often. She said Muncie has art galleries and cultural destinations that many students never see, all within less than a mile from campus.
McDonald said Ball State and the surrounding community are disconnected, preventing people from coming to campus. She said events like this could clear up perceptions and make people more comfortable coming to Ball State. She said she hopes to see more events that may get students off campus and the community on campus.
The Muncie Symphony Orchestra's next concert is Aug. 26 at Minnetrista Cultural Center.
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