37th Annual Kansas ASTA Middle Level State-Wide Orchestra
The Kansas Chapter of the American String Teachers’ Association presented the 37th annual KASTA Middle Level State-Wide Orchestra on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Hutchinson High School PAC. Eighty-two students representing 13 Middle Schools rehearsed during the day concluding with the performance. Dr. Blair A. Williams, the American String Teachers Association National Director of Professional
Development served as clinician conductor for this event. Middle Schools and teachers participating in this event included Beloit Jr. High School, Julia McMains; Derby North Middle School, Dr. Amber Peterson and Janine Youssef; Emporia Middle School, Ethan Neil; Fort Riley Middle School, Amanda Conrade; Hays Middle School, Nathan Mark; Haysville West Middle School, Rachel Unruh; Hutchinson Middle School 8 th Grade Center, Emily Lavely; Maize Middle School, Marcia Hatfield; Maize South Middle School, Dory Thompson; Salina Sputh Middle School, Jacob Andres; Smoky Valley Middle School, Henry Littich; Wichita Christa McAuliffe Academy, Catherine Tummons; Wichita Allison Traditional Magnet Middle School, Frances Oare; and Wichita Mayberry Middle School, Panya Amphone. Wind and Percussion musicians from the Hutchinson Area helped with the full orchestra selection.
The orchestra performed “American Landscape” by Soon Hee Newbold, “Through Moanin’ Pines” by Burleigh arranged by Dion Morales, “Voyage of Odysseus” by Katie O’Hara LaBrie and “Final Countdown” arranged by Robert Buckley.
The KASTA Middle Level Orchestra has met in Hutchinson since 1987 under the inspiration of Bruce Boyd. Michael Harbaugh serves as chair for this event, Emily Lavely is the local coordinator.
Additional details and the application form are available on the KASTA website year round www.kasta.org .