By Seth Stegall—
Yorktown, IN — The community is invited to celebrate the Fourth of July as Muncie Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to America in a free outdoor concert during Yorktown’s holiday celebrations at Civic Green.
Patriotic Pops, presented by LifeStream Services, will feature several classic songs, including “America the Beautiful” and “1812 Overture,” with selected fanfares and marches that celebrate America’s history and heritage. Along with the instrumental selections, there will be a vocal section of the concert.
Immediately following the concert, audience members are invited to stay for a fireworks show.
Scott Watkins, executive director of the orchestra, said the goal of the concert is for the community to come together and celebrate freedom—especially after the past year.
“We have been cooped up in our homes for too long, and now it is time to celebrate our freedom in a new way,” Watkins said. “Fireworks and live music help gather together and unite people; our hope is to enrich that experience.”
Watkins, who joined MSO in February, said he’s already seen great unity in Muncie and the surrounding communities.
“I appreciate all of the people in our community who have helped to make important connections,” Watkins said. “I am excited as we continue to evolve and integrate within our community.”
In addition to reaching the community through free summer concerts, Watkins plans to increase the orchestra’s presence in local K–12 music education programs and to bring the community together through shared experiences.
MSO’s 2021–22 season begins on September 18 with “The Music of Billy Joel,” featuring Broadway singer Michael Cavanaugh. The rest of the season features a mix of pops and classical tunes that Watkins said should offer something for everybody.
“I hope to unite our community through music,” he said. “I hope to lift people’s lives with the gift of music.”
Patriotic Pops will be from 8–9 p.m. at Civic Green (9400 W. Smith St.) in Yorktown on Sunday, July 4. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.
To learn more about the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, visit munciesymphony.org. Follow Muncie Symphony Orchestra on Facebook for concert updates.
About Muncie Symphony Orchestra
For more than 71 years, the Muncie Symphony Orchestra has worked to entertain, educate, and enrich quality of life in the East Central Indiana community through meaningful, professional musical experiences. The MSO is made up of professional and community musicians, hailing from Ball State University, East Central Indiana, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Cincinnati. To learn more, visit munciesymphony.org.
