Marvin Bates IV, music director at the Excelsior Springs First United Methodist Church, is collaborating with musicians from multiple backgrounds in the community to host a performance of J.H. Maunder’s work, “Olivet to Calvary,” Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. The director started the Marvin Bates singers’ program in Kansas City this year with plans to conduct the Sacred Music Festival. Bates said he had not yet selected a location when he saw a job posting for a music director in Excelsior Springs. Bates pondered the idea of applying for the job and decided to go look at the church facilities. Upon viewing the auditorium, he knew it had the perfect acoustics for the performance. Bates decided the church would be the perfect fit for his vision. Bates accepted the position, leaving the city to work in Excelsior Springs where he would bring his vision to life for the community. “I have enjoyed the congregation at the church and all of the people I have met so far in the community,” Bates said…