FSHS string octet to perform at Heritage Park

On Friday evening, a talented group of young musicians will take their sound downtown.

The eight-member Fort Scott High School String Ensemble is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Heritage Park and Pavilion, located at the corner of First and Main streets in downtown Fort Scott.

The students and young musicians, who are also all members of the USD 234 orchestra program, have many years invested in practicing their respective instruments, concert co-organizer Ralph Carlson said.

"I've heard all of these kids; they're quite good," Carlson said.

Carlson, part of the local musical duo Fuss and Feathers with partner James "Red" Stradley, has helped to sponsor the free concert series that has taken place every Friday evening at the park since June 22. The concert series is also sponsored by the Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

The orchestra ensemble performs at community and civic events throughout the school year. Their repertoire includes a variety of classical, easy listening music and show tunes; all of which will be featured at the Friday evening concert, Carlson said.

Members of the ensemble include FSHS senior Brittani Rooks, who has studied and played the violin since the 5th grade and also plays the flute and piano, and senior Sarah Gray, a violinist who has played since the 5th grade and has taken private lessons since the 8th grade. Gray qualified for the Southeast Kansas Symphony Orchestra at Pittsburg State University last year.

Ensemble member and FSHS sophomore Charlie Sercer has played the violin for five years and also plays the piano. Senior Catherine Sercer has played the viola for the past seven years and was chosen to perform in the Kansas Music Educators Association State Festival Orchestra last winter in Wichita.

Sophomore Jordan Kai Simmons-Mims has been playing the viola since the 5th grade. She moved to Fort Scott recently and enjoys playing in the FSHS orchestra, Carlson said.

Junior Patrick Fox has played cello in the orchestra since the 6th grade, and has studied the instrument since he was 8 years of age. Fox, who also plays the tuba in the FSHS band, also recently began learning the piano.

Senior Molly Karleskint has played the cello for three years in high school. She also plays the violin; an instrument that she has also played since the 5th grade. Junior Paul Norris has played the string bass since the 5th grade.

FSHS Orchestra Instructor Jane Williams is beginning her 21st year of teaching music in Fort Scott schools. Williams has a long-standing track record of helping to produce outstanding orchestras, Carlson said.

Carlson said everyone is welcome to attend the Friday night concert.

"This is a program to make sure you hear," he said. "Come early, bring your lawn chair and be prepared for a real treat."