When students see a freshman playing an instrument, the student is usually playing at a beginning or intermediate level. Not Emma Keohane however, a freshman in the most advanced orchestra class, symphony orchestra. “The people in the orchestra are the best of the string players in all of Smoky Hill.”Keohane said.

Keohane plays an instrument known as the viola.“It has the same strings of a cello but not the same as the violin.” Keohane said, noting that the highest string is an A, followed by the D, G, and C.

Typically, being a freshman in a course that juniors and seniors usually take, this may seem daunting and terrifying to them. However, Keohane stated that no one cares about their grade level in the class.“They all respect everyone in the class no matter what,” Keohane said.

Music doesn’t just improve Keohane’s artistic side, it improves her reading as well. “Although we only read notes, it increases brain power for reading because we can comprehend a lot more than some people who aren’t very good at reading in general.”

Symphony orchestra has also broadened her horizons music-wise by helping her play for critics and people whose opinions matter to her. “We play many pieces of music at all of our concerts and occasionally travel to places around the state to play for critics or ceremonies that we are invited to,” Keohane said.

While unsure of her musical future, Keohane does know one thing for sure. “I honestly don’t know if I’m going to have a music career outside of high school. It might be nice but I don’t really know if that’s what I want to do yet,” Keohane said. “I know I am going to play on my own anyway outside of college.”