ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC)--Students of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale's "Playing with the Pros " preparatory education program performed at Rochester Community and Technical College on Saturday. The students have spent months preparing, auditioning and taking lessons from the RSOC music director to play at the Master Class Performance.
Sophia Beyer has been playing the violin since she was three years old, but said playing solo with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale was one of the highlights of her musical career.
"You're playing a story and stories are a big part of life," said Beyer.
The 14 year old from Zumbrota said being one of 15 students selected to take private lessons with RSOC Director, Jere Lantz, has helped her to fine tune her talent.
"He told me not to play like a student but to play a performer because I've got plenty of time to be a student," said Beyer.
Teaching students to solo with an orchestra is what the program set out to achieve.
"We didn't have anything for advancing students and it's a need we saw that really needed to be filled," said Amy Lindstrom, RSOC Education Coordinator.
Students of the program have spent months preparing for their day on stage.
"It's been really fun being able to play with the artists. That was awesome," said Theo Thayid. "It's a great experience."
Student performances will conclude tomorrow at the college.
