Historically, the Concerto/Aria concerts presented by students in the Lawrence high schools showcase the musical talent so cherished by the schools and the community. Lawrence High School presented its concert Feb. 16; Free State High School performs at 7 tonight.

Early in the school year, all music students are invited to audition for the concert before two professional music judges from outside the school district. Janet Johnson and Larry Johnson judged this year. The judges selected vocal and instrumental soloists for the school’s concerts from a field of 10 to 15 soloists from each high school. The orchestras learn the music to be featured in the concerts.

At the LHS concert, four soloists were featured:

• Ashley Coffman sang “Lullaby (from The Consul)” by G. Menotti.
• Andrew Findley sang “Una Furtiva Lagrima” from “L’Elisir D’Amore” by Donizetti.
• Michael Jordan, on trombone, played Gordon Jacob’s “Trombone Concerto I, Andante Maestoso.”
• Tom Maples played Saint-Saen’s “Cello Concerto No. 1.”

“Listening to these outstanding young soloists sing and play with the orchestra, it is easy to forget these are high school students,” LHS choral director Cathy Crispino said.

Among Free State’s soloists for tonight’s performance is Katy Kline, who has played the piano for 11 years.

“I feel very lucky to be a part of this concert,” Kline said. “All of the soloists are very talented.”

Free State’s orchestra director, Lynn Basow said, “This is an absolutely outstanding group of young talented vocalists and musicians. They are beautifully prepared.”

The Free State High School Orchestra plans to represent Kansas in the National Festival of States on March 17 in Washington, D.C.

— Caitlin Donnelly is a junior at Free State High School.