IMS will be hosting the annual Midwest Regional Mennonite Orchestra Festival (MRMOF) March 20-22. The festival involves Bethany Christian High School from Goshen, Indiana, Central Christian High School from Kidron, Ohio, and Iowa Mennonite School. The Festival culminates in a concert Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Each individual orchestra will perform a selection, followed by the Festival Orchestra combining all schools together directed by guest conductor Carey Bostian. A small jazz band conducted by guest conductor James Pisano will also perform. An offering will be taken to help defray festival costs.
Carey Bostian has been conductor of the Iowa City Community String Orchestra since 1998. Born and raised in Granville, Ohio, he came to study at the University of Iowa in 1993. He holds a MFA in orchestral conducting and a DMA in cello. He is currently principal cellist of the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra and cellist with the CRSO String Quartet. Bostian will direct the Full Orchestra. Selections include:  "Overture and Allegro" from La Sultane Suite by Couperin/Milhaud, and "Finale" from Symphony No. 5 in C minor by Beethoven.
James Pisano, MM, Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Jazz Studies at Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas, holds degrees from the University of New Hampshire and the University of Miami. Pisano will conduct the small jazz band. Some of the selections they will perform include:  "Aim High" by Sturm, "Smak Dab in the Middle" by Nestico and "In a Sentimental Mood" by Ellington/Tamaro.