Un-discovered Musical Treasures

I have been a music lover all my life, though I've never had any formal music training. During my 40 years in the Muncie area, however, I've been a choir member in two churches and a participant in two community choirs. It's been my good fortune to serve under and to learn from several directors who had PhDs in music. Currently I sing with the College Ave. UM choir under Dr. Doug Amman, former head of choral music at BSU, and the Masterworks Chorale, led for 10 yrs by Dr. Robert KVAM, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and former head of the School of music at BSU.

As a result of these involvements, I've become a follower of the Muncie Symphony and the Ball State School of Music. We are so fortunate to have these organizations which make regular presentations of top notch music in a variety of styles. Besides its classical performances, the Symphony has a yearly Pops concert, a Christmas program and a Symphony on the Green. Prices are modest and sometimes free. Check www.munciesymphony.org for schedules.

Masterworks Chorale is made up of volunteer singers from throught east central IN. We do four concerts a year, including a Valentine dinner concert featuring popular music and a Christmas performance. Again, the cost is minimal. See www.4masterworks.org for schedules.

The Ball State School of Music is a real treasure. Not only is it nationally prominent, but it offers a wide variety of music from pops to jazz to classical, performed by both students and faculty. Best of all, It's all free! Check events at www.bsu.edu/music.

I urge everyone to take advantage of these opportunities where there is little cost, no travel and high quality.