Summer Performing Arts Series kicks off

The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra played a free concert Sunday evening at Bryan Park. The performance was the beginning of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Performing Arts Series. \nThrough the beginning of September there will be a concert at 6:30 p.m. every Sunday at Bryan Park. \nThere is no outside venue better than Bryan Park, said Julie Ramey, community relations manager at Bloomington Parks and Recreation.\n“The concert is not during the heat of the day, and it’s a fabulous family event. The (Bloomington Symphony Orchestra) is a local organization and they are super-popular. People enjoy the classical music,” she said.\nA mix of pop pieces including “Sing! Sing! Sing!” and medleys from “Harry Potter,” “Pirates of the Carribbean,” “Looney Tunes” and “Star Trek” were featured by the entirely volunteer Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.\n“Music is what sets the mood. This is really fun music,” said Joyce Silletti, sixth-chair violinist and a new member of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.\nMany children danced in front of the stage during the performance. Elias Bowles, a 3-year-old, did somersaults during the swinging “Sing! Sing! Sing!”\nHe said trombone is his favorite instrument, and he likes the short walk to the event.\nBloomington resident Jeffrey Stewart said the outside environment makes the atmosphere relaxed.\n“It’s more of a community event when it is outside,” Stewart said. “Here you can be a part of the community more.”\nCharles Latshaw, conductor of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, said music doesn’t need to be serious all the time. \nDuring the concert, he told the audience, “I am so pleased to see so many short people who are dancing up front.” \nFor the “Harry Potter” medley, Latshaw donned a shimmering wizard’s cape and conducted with a carrot instead of a baton during “Looney Tunes.” \n“It makes it more fun for the children and for me. It’s really great to see such a turnout,” he said.\nThe orchestra will play a family concert at College Mall on September 15, featuring pirate music and an instrument petting zoo, Latshaw said. The instrument petting zoo is a chance for children to get acquainted with some of the different instruments and possibly lead them toward taking interest in playing an instrument.\n“We love the concerts in the park,” said Bloomington resident Jill Jolliff. Her 4-year-old son Max Jolliff has been to the concert every year since he was born. \n“Max has a keen interest in music,” she said. \nMax has played the drums since he was two years old, but he likes all types of music.\n“I like all instruments. I like all the songs,” he said.\nThe final song of the night was “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The audience clapped along and gave the orchestra a standing ovation when it finished.\nA variety of performances are planned for the Summer Performing Arts Series. Jenn Christy will play at Third Street Park at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 6.\n“(There is) literally everything from blues to rock ’n’ roll, Latin music, jazz and everything in between,” Ramey said.\nRamey said every concert location is on a city bus route. All concerts in the series are free and open to the public.