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Fresh-faced guests

By LOGAN NEILL
Published April 15, 2005

Each spring, the Hernando Symphony Orchestra's young artist competition offers winners a chance to show their talents, build confidence and broaden their musical horizons.

As band director at West Hernando Middle School, Wayne Raymond knows the value that such opportunities provide for young musicians.

"Any music teacher will tell you that the more experiences young musicians are exposed to, the better musicians they will ultimately become," said Raymond, who also conducts the symphony. "Performing solo with a full orchestra is a rare opportunity for kids this age. It gives them a deeper appreciation for what goes into being a musician."

Few teen musicians understand that appreciation more than violinist Christina Adams, 15. The Central High School sophomore has been a member of the community orchestra for six years and has made two trips to the all-state middle school band competition. In addition, she has been featured as a soloist three times with the Hernando Symphony Orchestra.

"Her technical skill is mature well beyond her age," Raymond said of his former student. "I have no doubt that she will make it as a professional musician."

During the orchestra's final concert series of the season, Christina, who also plays flute with her high school band, will perform a piece by Pablo de Sarasat e title d Zigeunerweisen.

"The thing I like about the piece is it's kind of showy," Christina said. "It's very expressive music for the violin."

Ben DeAngelis, 13, is also a former competition winner. At age 5, his father, Chris, a tuba player with the orchestra, thought the euphonium would be a good beginning instrument for his son.

"He got me a book and taught me some scales, and before I knew it I was making music on it," said the West Hernando Middle School eighth-grader. "I've never really wanted to play anything else."

Considering that she has only been playing flute for a little more than three years, Rachel Carlson was a major find for this year's competition, Raymond said.

"She has a great command of the instrument, and you can tell by her performances that she has a love for music," the conductor said.

The homeschooled 17-year-old started on recorder but switched to flute at the urging of her music teacher.

"It has such a beautiful sound to me," Rachel said. For her solo, she has chosen a fantasy piece by Johannes Don Jon called Pan.

Eight-year-old violinist Matthew Kang is one of the youngest musicians the orchestra has ever featured. The J.D. Floyd Elementary School third-grader says he fell in love with the instrument after hearing a string recital when he was 3.

"I liked the sound and told my parents I wanted to play," said Matthew, who has been playing for three years.

Raymond said that once he heard the youngster play, he immediately invited him to perform with the orchestra.

"He has great enthusiasm for the instrument," Raymond said. "It's very encouraging to know that we have young musicians of this caliber in our area."

WHAT: Hernando Symphony Orchestra presents its spring pops concerts, featuring four winners of the orchestra's young artist competition, plus trombone soloist Tony Chipurn.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

WHERE: Saturday performance at the Hernando High School Performing Arts Center, 700 Bell Ave. in Brooksville; Sunday and Tuesday performances at Springstead Theater, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.

ADMISSION: $10. Call 683-4404.

[Last modified April 15, 2005, 00:49:17]