Image Courtesy Hays Symphony
By NICK McCOY
Tiger Media Network
The Hays Symphony is hosting its annual Halloween Concert on Sunday in the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. An event geared towards children and families, the concert will feature various activities for young attendees to participate in, alongside the Symphony’s music.
“It’s a fun kids and family concert,” said Hays Symphony Orchestra Director Brian Buckstead. “We’ll put on what I believe to be entertaining music for anyone of any age.”
The Hays Symphony puts on a concert every year on the Sunday before Halloween, and each of these events has a specific theme. Buckstead, who is also an Assistant Professor of Music at FHSU, explains this year’s theme: Fiesta Mexicana.
“I wanted to feature music by Mexican composers,” Buckstead said. “I think it’s really colorful and interesting, and will highlight the culture and customs, along with the musical history of Mexico.”
With the overall nature of Symphonic music being the way it is, Buckstead hopes to provide a different experience for attendees at the upcoming concert.
“The nature of symphonic music is very serious and Eurocentric,” Buckstead said. “This is an opportunity to do something a little different. With the music being more related to dance and festival, it provides a different perspective on what symphonic music can be.”
With the concert being more oriented towards a younger audience, Buckstead explains what that will entail for the concert itself.
“It’s a fairly short concert,” Buckstead said. “I wanted to keep it shorter, because a lot of kids will be there dressed for Halloween. So they’ll be getting a good 45 minutes of entertainment.”
However, some events will be occurring before the concert starts.
“There are all sorts of things happening an hour before the concert,” Buckstead said. “Kids can do different activities and try out instruments. It’s just a fun afternoon.”
With the concert right around the corner, Buckstead expresses his hopes going forward, for this concert and the next.
“I want it to be entertaining,” he said. “For the kids, parents, musicians, and anyone in the audience.”
Prior to the show, the event will feature various activities, a slideshow discussing the different pieces of music present, as well as free trick or treat bags for any children in the audience.