This concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Hays Symphony Orchestra in Hays, Kansas was performed on September 28, 2013 in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus.
The concert opens with Dr. Lane Weaver conducting “Tritsch Tratch Polka, Op. 214” (1:40) by Johann Strauss Jr. This is followed by Dr. Weaver conducting “Sousa on Parade” (5:52) by John Phillip Sousa, arranged by Hermann.
Mr. Benjamin Cline then leads the orchestra in playing “Ragtime Selections” (12:21) by Stephen Flaherty arranged by James Kessler. The first half ends with Mr. Cline conducting “Tribute to Irving Berlin” (19:13) by Irving Berlin, arranged by Bruce Healey.
After the Intermission, the audience was entertained by the Hays High-Plains Barber Shop Chorus singing “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” (40:00) written by Irving Berlin followed by “Tin Roof Blues” (42:58) written by The New Orleans Rhythm Kings. The chorus ends the set by singing “Ol’ Man River” (46:38), music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein.
The orchestra starts the second half with “Hays America!” (51:42) written by Mr. Jeffrey Bishop and conducted by Mr. Benjamin Cline. The Hays Symphony Guild commissioned Mr. Bishop to write “Hays, America!” for this occasion.
The next number is “Children’s Corner Suite” (1:02:00) by Claude Debussy, translated by H. Mouton.
Dr. Jeff Jordan then conducts the orchestra with “Armed Forces Salute” (1:12:50) arranged by Bob Lowden. The concert closes with Dr. Jordan conducting “Berceuse and Finale from “Firebird”” (1:18:53) by Igor Stravinsky.