Farragut HS Students Make Music with the KSO

For high school orchestra students, the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside members of the KSO offers a new perspective on what it means to make music together.

This fall, the KSO’s Side-by-Side program brought the orchestra’s core string musicians to Farragut High School for hands-on coaching and a joint concert conducted by Music Director Aram Demirjian. During visits in late October, KSO musicians led sectional rehearsals, with a string quartet and bassist working with students in smaller groups organized by instrument. The sessions focused on technique, musical interpretation and ensemble playing.

The experience culminated on November 5. After a full-orchestra dress rehearsal led by Demirjian, students and musicians shared dinner before taking the stage for an evening concert in the Vickie B. Wells Auditorium.

Aram Demirjian conducts Farragut HS orchestra students during their Side-by-Side concert on Nov. 5.

“It’s a great opportunity to allow high school students who might have interest in becoming professional musicians or who love playing their instrument an opportunity to get to work with professional musicians,” said Maddie Helbling, the KSO’s Director of Education and Community Partnerships.

Farragut High School Orchestra Director Rodney Brown reflected on the experience of preparing his students for the collaboration. “It’s been a challenge but it’s been a tremendous privilege and a lot of fun putting this music together,” Brown said.

The concert celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence with a diverse program featuring music by Florence Price, Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and Mark O’Connor, along with selections from The Greatest Showman.

For participating students, anticipation was high as they prepared to work alongside KSO musicians.

“I feel like this is such a cool and amazing opportunity for everybody,” said freshman Liddy Price.

Freshman Layla Bennett, who has attended KSO performances with her family, shared a personal connection to the orchestra. “The KSO has been a big part of my life for a while,” Bennett said. “I’ve gone to see a lot of their shows with family. I would really like to work with professionals and love to know how I can get better.”

The experience also left a lasting impression on participating families. “My daughter absolutely loved her practice time with you all and the performance was magical,” wrote parent Jamey Evans in a message to the KSO. “Thank you so much for your time and expertise poured into our children. Tonight was truly a special experience because of you!”

Side-by-Side is part of the KSO’s broader commitment to music education across East Tennessee. Through our Young People’s Concerts, Musical Story Time, Classroom Qs and the Knoxville Symphony Youth Ensembles program, the KSO creates opportunities for students to discover and participate in orchestral music at different stages of their development.

The KSO typically offers Side-by-Side collaborations with one school in Knox County and another outside the county, extending the program’s reach across the region. For participating schools within Knox County, the program is provided at no cost. For some students, experiences like Side-by-Side may encourage further musical study or even a professional career. For others, they deepen an appreciation for music that can last a lifetime.

The KSO will continue the program in February 2027 with a Side-by-Side collaboration at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Student and staff quotations originally reported by Tammy Cheek in the Farragut Press, October 28, 2026.