The Hays High School Chamber Orchestra performed in the First United Methodist Church in Hays on Friday, Oct. 18. Alongside professional and high school winds, the musicians played “Beethoven’s First Symphony.”

This is the second Beethoven piece the group has played. Last spring, the ensemble performed “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony” at the Masterworks concert.

The Hays orchestra students got a chance to work with Beloit orchestra students in the process. The only time the full group of all students and professionals were together was the day of the concert.

“Beethoven’s First [Symphony] is simpler and more classical than Beethoven’s Fifth [Symphony], and is much more string heavy,” orchestra teacher Brayden Smith said. “The goal was to combine more student musicians in the area for a symphonic and professional experience.”

Musicians who participated include the following:

Flute: Hannah Koster, Hilary Shepard

Clarinet: Kristin Pisano, Katelyn Willemsen

Oboe: Emily Foltz

Bassoon: Patric Northrop

Horn: Greg Jones, Cassie Kerckhove

Trumpet: Peyton Moore, Serigo Rodriguez

Percussion: Breckyn Wahlmeier

Violin 1: Caleb King, Michaela Lane, Christian Miller, Janessa Miller, Ally Otte, Ava Ruiz, Vanessa Strathman, Eliana Weber

Violin 2: Allison Goertzen, Jaylen Hughes, Allison Leiva, Savannah Schmitz, Ken Shaffer, Keira Vilaysing

Viola: Samara DeWitt, Zelma Krone, Julia Kuhl, Madox Zimmerman

Cello: Savannah Clingan, Elizabeth Gerstner, Martha Miller, Bryton Unsworth

Bass: Bailey Barnes, Clare Tholstrup

Senior Caleb King compared this symphony to the one the orchestra played last year. “There was less time to rehearse this piece, but it [“Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony”] was harder music,” King said. “It was also really interesting to work with other high school musicians in the area.”

25kwillemsen@usd489.com