Topeka Cello Collective, Kansas National Guard 35th Infantry Division Band bring unique musical experience to Evergy Plaza

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Various groups joined forces to bring a unique musical experience to Evergy Plaza. From the Topeka High Drumline to the Kansas National Guard 35th Infantry Division Band and the Topeka Cello Collective, the lineup offered a little bit of everything.

The free event was organized by Topeka Cello Collective’s Artistic Director Erinn Renyer in hopes of exposing the community to various styles of music.

Made up of middle and high school students as well as community players, the Topeka Cello Collective is a 40-piece ensemble that typically plays a minimum of 3 concerts a year, but this performance was a bit different.

The theme tonight was Cellos and Cinema.

“We’re switching gears here trying to get more out into the public, and making it a free outreach concert for people to come and join here at Evergy Plaza,” Renyer explained. “That’s why Cellos and Cinema would fit perfectly because of their big screen so people can watch all the favorite scenes of the movie while they listen to the live music as it’s been put on the screen.”

Inviting members of the 35th Infantry Division Band to play beside them was close to Renyer’s heart.

“Actually, my daughter is a piccolo player with the band and I was talking with her and we said well, ‘How can we collaborate,’ and it gave them a wonderful opportunity to come out and also share with the community their abilities,” Renyer said.

This was the first concert of 10 in a summer series for the band and they will be traveling across Kansas for the next two weeks.

“You’re making such an impact on these kids’ lives,” Sgt. Sarah Quesnell said. “They get to see what possibilities music has and how many people really think of oh, you could do music in the army. You know, they don’t think of that right away and so there’s something out there for everybody and you you inspire them to share their passion.”

Collaborating with the communities they visit is one of the most rewarding parts for the band.

The 35th Infantry Division Band will be back in Topeka July 14 at Gage Park Amphitheatre.

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