Senior Soloists Take Center Stage At School Sympony Concert

Cleveland Heights High School seniors Mary O’Keefe and Kate Miller will be featured soloists at the upcoming concert by the School Symphony on Friday, May 3rd.

An ensemble group will perform at 6:30 p.m. and then the full symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. 

Mary, an oboist, will perform Oboe Concerto in One Movement by Sir Eugene Goossen. Kate, a pianist, will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto number 1, First Movement. Both musicians will attend a music conservatory in the fall to study music performance.

Eight years ago, Mary attended a Heights High concert and saw a senior soloist playing the oboe.

“That was when I knew what I wanted to do,” she said.

Mary added that she is grateful to both music teachers, Dan Heim and Brett Baker.

“Mr. Heim has really helped me rein in my love of fast tempo,” said Mary. “He says, ‘I know you can play fast, but that doesn’t mean it will sound good.’”

Meanwhile, Kate plays cello in the symphony but her first love is piano.

“Usually piano is more solitary,” she said. “So playing with the symphony behind me is really fun.”

She is drawn to classical music and is thrilled to be playing this particular Beethoven piece.  Kate says that she has learned many things while at Heights. “Mr. Heim taught me about resilience, integrity and tenacity,” said Kate.

Both girls were clear that the Instrumental Music Department is a welcoming home for them. “It is just a great place to be,” they said.

In related news, the school's Jazz Night is on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. The Jazz Ensembles and Combos will perform.