Bryan Symphony Orchestra pairing a free outdoor concert and inaugural 5K race at Dogwood Park Sunday.
Executive Director Susan Miranda said the evening includes six different children’s activities curated by Diane Glasgow that are specifically designed to reflect the music being performed.
“We just really want you to know the orchestra is for everyone,” Miranda said. “We’re going to be playing music, you know, some Super Mario Bros, some Legend of Zelda, you’re going to hear a very famous 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky.”
Miranda said the event also features food trucks, various vendors, and local painters capturing the scenery of the park during the performance.
Miranda said the orchestra is introducing a new athletic component this year with a 5K race funded by a Tennessee Arts Commission grant. Miranda said the race is scheduled to begin at 7:40 p.m. to coincide with a specific moment in the musical program.
“Maestro Allcott is going to give the downbeat and the runners will begin,” Miranda said. “And so that actually came from a Tennessee Arts Commission grant. And so we’re very excited to continue to kind of build this out into a really wonderful kind of weekend event is the, you know, initial or end goal I suppose you would say.”
Miranda said the support of donors and partners is essential because ticket prices alone do not cover the cost of professional musicians and logistics. Miranda said the orchestra aims to make the Labor Day weekend event a staple for local families.
“Well why not? It’s just such a wonderful time, you know families are already coming together, they’re already spending time together,” Miranda said. “Maybe there’s, you know, a potluck or a cookout or we’re hanging out at a lake and why not just come on over, spend a few hours with us, hear some really cool music, watch, you know, watch our local community members run, watch the kids do some cool projects, you know, have some snacks while you’re there and, you know, finish up your wonderful weekend.”
Miranda said interested participants can register for the 5K race online. Miranda said the festivities begin at 5:30 pm with the concert following at 7pm. The annual event is funded by the Sam and Diane Glasgow Family Fund to create a lasting legacy for the community.