Wednesday, July 31
It’s going to be a “Shellabration” July 31 at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell when the Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra headlines the 10th Anniversary Gala concert, celebrating its construction that took place a decade ago.
There is no admission charge for the concert that begins at 7 p.m. in the lovely outdoor amphitheatre where a new sculpture that recognizes Shell donors will be unveiled, and a new musical composition, “Brass Fanfare,” makes its debut.
“The Performance Shell project will now be complete with the recognition of the donors that made this great St. Johns event structure happen,” says Bill Tennant, building chairperson. “We are excited to finally recognize everyone involved in this project at our 10th anniversary gala concert.”
Rodney Page, former orchestra director at St. Johns Public Schools, returns again as conductor of the Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra that’s comprised of talented musicians from Clinton and Shiawassee counties along with the greater Lansing and Flint areas.
“It’s always a pleasure to take the podium and conduct this outstanding orchestra, and especially gratifying to be part of this anniversary concert where we will perform “Brass Fanfare” for the first time,” Page says about the composition that was written by Tennant – another former SJPS orchestra director. “The program also includes popular and light classical music that will have a wide audience appeal.”
Page has been conducting and performing for nearly 20 years. His professional affiliations as a violinist include the Midland Symphony Orchestra , Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra and the Livingston Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in China as a 2nd violinist with the South Shore Symphony Orchestra.
Most recently the talented musician and conductor has turned his attention to providing entertainment services as a freelance musician and DJ presenting unique, innovative shows. His repertoire includes violin, piano, and vocal percussion, often enhancing recorded music with live instrumentation.
A highlight of the anniversary concert is the unveiling of the donor appreciation sculpture. The work by artist Timothy Higgins of Elsie was commissioned by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns. Major donors and others who played a significant role in the planning and construction of the Performance Shell will also be introduced during the concert.
Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the city of St. Johns, with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Concerts are held each Wednesday evening at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell. The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand that offers light refreshments. All concerts are held rain or shine.
For information on Concert in the Park call the Clinton County Arts Council, (989) 224-2429.