In the heart of Knox County, a group of dedicated musicians from Mount Vernon High School is making waves in the local arts community as members of the Knox County Symphony. This  orchestra, which includes both community members and students, provides a unique platform for young talents to develop their skills and share their passion for music.

Lilly Schoenfeld, a violinist, Christopher Hawthorne, a violist, and Sarah Hammond, a bassist, all will be performing with the Knox County Symphony.

“The Knox County Symphony is an orchestra where community members and students from Kenyon and Knox County come together to play music,” Schoenfeld explained. “We meet at Kenyon College every Monday night to rehearse classical pieces and modern compositions.”

While the symphony does have an audition process, the students emphasized that passion for music must be present. “As long as you have the necessary skills and a passion for music, you’re welcome to join,” Hawthorne noted.

All three students have been playing their instruments for about six years, having started in sixth grade. Their dedication to music extends beyond their primary instruments. Hawthorne and Schoenfeld also play the piano while Hammond dabbles with the piano in her free time.

When asked about their pre-performance rituals, the students shared their methods for managing nerves and preparing for concerts. “I like to shake my hands out and get ready,” Hammond said. “Before every concert, there’s a mix of sounds as we warm up and practice challenging spots in our pieces.”

Their musical journeys have not been without challenges. Hammond recounted her early struggles with posture while playing bass, admitting, “I faced the bass the wrong way at first, which made it difficult to play.” Hawthorne echoed the sentiment, highlighting the ongoing learning process in mastering techniques like shifting and sight reading.

Looking to the future, the students expressed their aspirations beyond the orchestra. Hammond hopes to major in Art History and minor in Music at the University of Cincinnati, with dreams of working in a museum. Hawthorne aims to attend MIT to pursue engineering or physics, while Schoenfeld is considering a path to medical school to become an emergency medicine physician.

The students also shared excitement about an upcoming concert on September 29th at Ariel Foundation Park, where they will perform a children’s concert. 

The Knox County Symphony not only provides a musical outlet for these young musicians but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. As they continue to grow and develop their talents, their passion for music remains a constant thread, weaving their individual stories into a beautiful collective harmony.