The Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), under the direction of Kevin Lines, will kick off its seventh decade on Sunday, October 29, featuring guest woodwind specialists Kimberly Foley and Steve Litwiller. This admission-free concert kicks off MPO’s 61st season and will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Harold L. Lickey Auditorium of Bueker Middle School, in Marshall.

Headlining MPO’s line-up on Sunday will be two of its very own “all-star” players. Kimberly Foley grew up in Columbia and began teaching music in 1997. She currently teaches middle and high school band in Columbia Public Schools. Additionally, Foley maintains a private studio of 30 students and is the music coordinator at Grace Fellowship in Fayette. In her spare time, she performs with many musical ensembles including serving as principal bassoonist for the Marshall Philharmonic.

Steve Litwiller started his teaching career at Leeton in 1978. He taught in Gallatin for 4 years, and then moved to Boonville, where he taught instrumental music for 30 years. After serving in nearly every leadership capacity in the field of music education and mentoring hundreds of young music educators across the state in the span of his esteemed career, Litwiller was inducted into the Missouri Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in January, 2022. Litwiller plays clarinet and bass clarinet in the Marshall orchestra.

Marshall is one of the smallest towns nationwide to boast a full symphony orchestra. The Marshall Philharmonic Board of Directors encourages all to show your community pride by attending Sunday’s event. A meet and greet reception will be held immediately following the concert.

Photos of Foley (right) and Litwiller (left) courtesy of Kevin and Cheryl Lines