By TAYLOR THOMPSON
Tiger Media Network
On Saturday night, the Hays Symphony brought the community together for an evening of live orchestral music at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Established in 1914, the Hays Symphony is Kansas’ longest-running orchestra. The ensemble brings together about 60 performers, including Fort Hays State University students and faculty, local volunteers, and guest artists from across the state.
Symphony performs pieces by Ralph Vaughan Williams 
Cline directs symphony 
Symphony performs Eventide by Chris Pilsner 
Bass section 
Cline direct symphony 
Audience engaged in musical performance 
Performing variations of Três Pequenas Variações by Clarice Assad 
Symphony members in action 
Bass section featuring Brendan Stults, Jason Resendiz, and Matt McGrory 
Cline directs symphony 
Cline directs symphony 
Audience immersed in music 
Musicians performing in Geminiani and Casarrubios
The program blended classical tradition with modern composition, featuring works by Francesco Geminiani, Andrea Casarrubios, Carice Assad and Chris Pilsner, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
“Concerts are always very intense; it’s a lot of focus, but it’s all worth it because we get to play this beautiful music in this space,” said Hays Symphony Musical Director Benjamin Cline. “It’s a treasure.”
Supported in part by donations from the Hays Symphony Guild, the ensemble continues its mission of providing high-quality music to the region.
Cline also emphasized the educational opportunities the symphony provides for students.
“We had a lot of students here, so taking them and giving them skills and watching them grow as musicians—it’s the best part,” he said.
Kevin Amidon, director of the FHSU Honors College and a violist with the ensemble, said collaboration was the most rewarding part.
“It’s really gratifying to play with a group where some people are profoundly great musicians and some people are learners,” Amidon said. “You just see the growth every time you play together.”
Amidon, who has been playing since the age of three, added that sharing music was what made the orchestra experience meaningful.
“Just being able to collaborate with people and share the experience, and just enjoy using your talents together—that’s the best way to do it,” he said.