Red Cedar Chamber

“One of the most profound things about Red Cedar is that they bring the music to the people, and it’s right there just a few feet away from them. They go to outlying, smaller communities that don’t have performance venues like Cedar Rapids. They go out to the people.”

– Melissa Summers
Red Cedar Chamber Board Member

A Linn County Fund grant supported Red Cedar Chamber Music’s rural community outreach efforts. The organization was founded in 1997 by Jan Boland and John Dowdall and presents ensemble chamber music through educational and interactive performances. The 2015-2016 season is a transition period for the organization; the founders will step aside from an official leadership role and as core musicians. The organization’s board has invited Miera Kim and Casey Bostian to become Red Cedar’s new directors and core musicians beginning in July 2016.

Board member Melissa Summers first learned about the educational programs while collaborating with the organization as the Fine Arts Facilitator for the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Since then, she has become increasingly involved in the organization.