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Local student prepares for senior recital
While most high school graduates are celebrating their high school graduations with parties, Fort Scott High School senior Sarah Gray has chosen to celebrate her graduation with a display of the talent that earned her a music scholarship to Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo.
At 3 p.m., on Sunday, May 18, Gray will perform a Senior Recital at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford. The recital, which is open to the public, will highlight not only Gray's instrumental talent, but also her vocal expertise.
According to LuAnne Gray, Gray's mother, an enjoyment for music rooted itself deep within Gray at an early age.
"Sarah has always enjoyed music," LuAnne said. "She loved to sing in the choir in grade school and started the piano with Margie Fremar during the summer between second and third grade and progressed on from there."
Gray said she began playing the violin for the Fort Scott Orchestra Program when she was in the fifth grade. When she was in the eighth grade, Gray began taking private violin lessons in addition to playing in the school orchestra. Gray said, in the past, she has taken private lessons from retired musician Karen Salsbury and local musician Scott Allison. Currently, Gray receives private violin instructions from Pittsburg State University Professor Selim Giray.
According to LuAnne, Sarah's desire to play the violin was inspired through an unusual encounter.
"I found a violin at a yard sale in Nevada when Sarah was in the third grade," LuAnne said. "It was starting to rain really hard and that helped create such a bargain price that I bought it. When it was time to sign up for the orchestra program at Winfield Scott when she was in fifth grade, she decided she wanted to participate. Well, since we happened to have a violin, it was easy to decide which instrument she would play. I'm sure glad I bought that violin and if the seller has had any regrets about not getting her full price, she should know her violin helped launch the career of a very dedicated musician."
USD 234 Orchestra teacher Jane Williams said she has enjoyed watching Gray's musical talents blossom through the years.
"Sarah has been part of the USD 234 Orchestra program since she was in the 5th grade. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow and mature musically. Her leadership this year for our KMEA orchestra performance was outstanding. Sunday's recital will be a wonderful culmination of her talents," Williams said.
At the urging of Allison, Gray began playing with the Southeast Kansas Symphony Orchestra at Pittsburg State University two years ago. SEK Symphony Orchestra director Stella Hastings said Gray's determination has caused her musical abilities to flourish.
"Sarah Gray is a wonderfully talented young lady," Hastings said. "She has been a member of the Southeast Kansas Symphony for the past two years. She has great determination and exhibits fine skills as a violinist. I have been very proud to have Sarah in the orchestra." she said.
According to Gray, her vocal abilities really took flight a few years ago when she performed in the musical "Hello Dolly!" She said while she was working on the musical, Fort Scott High School Choir Director Pat Harry told her that she should take voice lessons. Gray took Harry's advice and began training her voice under the tutelage of local resident Gary Tebbits.
During her junior year, Gray tried out and was accepted as a member of the Fort Scott High School Concert Choir and the FSHS Select Ensemble. According to Gray becoming a member of the Select Ensemble is not an easy task. She said she had to go up against about 50 other singers, who were mostly girls, in order to secure one of the few spots. This year, Gray continues to participate in both the Concert Choir and the Select Ensemble. In addition, she is also a member of the Senior Women's Quartet with Anna Miles, Jessica Carson and Afton Gray.
Harry explained that Gray's vocal abilities go far beyond the sound of her voice.
"Sarah, has a lovely, lyric soprano tone. But what makes her special as a singer is that she sings with her heart. You can hear her feelings shine through the music. It's been a pleasure to teach her," Harry said.
According to Gray, Sunday's performance would not have been possible without the support of family, friends and teachers. She said that Williams and LuAnne helped her put the program together. At the recital, Gray will be accompanied on the piano by Harry, Williams and fellow student Charlie Sercer. Gray said she will also receive some assistance from her brother Kevin at the recital as the two siblings will perform a duet together.
Gray said even though she will pursue a career as a pharmacist, she has plans to minor in music. Adding that she hopes music will always be a big part of her life. She said she is entertaining the idea of teaching private lessons to others.
"I hope to share music with others and eventually any kids that I might have," Gray said.