This week, 50 Bearden High School students will perform a Side-by-Side concert with members of the Knoxville Symphony in a free concert on Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bearden High School Auditorium. This concert is free and open to the public and sponsored by Sandra Powell Emond.

Each year, members of the KSO rehearse and perform with High School Orchestral programs. This year, 19 members of the KSO will join 50 Bearden High School students in performing a free concert including music of Haydn, Elgar, Holst and Stafford conducted by KSO Resident Conductor James Fellenbaum.  The Bearden High School Orchestral program is directed by Cynthia Wright.

“Performing a Side-by-Side concert with members of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is an opportunity that is certain to make a lasting impression on my students!” said Cynthia Wright, Bearden High School Orchestra Director. “It is such a joy for me to watch my students take pride in preparing and perfecting music to perform for this concert. By having professional musicians in their midst they are elevated to a new level of playing and performing.  I truly believe that each student will show a tremendous amount of growth because of this experience!

The mission of the KSO is to reach East Tennessee audiences of all ages by providing excellence in musical performance and education programs. This unique, hands-on musical experience provides an opportunity for young musicians still learning their instrument to sit “side-by-side” with a professional musician and share a music stand for two rehearsals and one performance.