Curious about the longest continuously running orchestra in Kansas?
A KANSAS TRADITION
Founded in 1914, the Hays Symphony is the longest continuously running orchestra in the state of Kansas. As a joint community-university ensemble affiliated with Fort Hays State University, its approximate 60 musicians include FHSU students and faculty, Hays area volunteers, and guest musicians from throughout Kansas.
The Hays Symphony is supported in part by donations to the Hays Symphony Guild.
CLICK to read our statement about the orchestra that helps frame who we are, what we do, and why we do it.
HAYS SYMPHONY GUILD
The mission of the Hays Symphony Guild is to support the Hays Symphony with financial and volunteer resources that strengthen the ensemble’s ability to provide high-quality symphonic performances in Hays and the surrounding communities. The Guild’s volunteers reflect the Symphony’s membership: FHSU faculty, students and staff, community musicians and teachers, music lovers and supporters.
The Guild, an independent non-profit organization (501(c)3), has been in operation since 1984.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joan Crull, President
Liz Riley, Vice President
Sara Doyle, Treasurer
Jessica Shields, Secretary
Ben Cline, Music Director
Tanner Callis, Publicity
Melissa Dixon
James Bell
Brent Williams
Emeritus Members:
Sandy Jacobs
Dick Werth
New Musicians Welcome
New musicians are welcome to join the Hays Symphony. Whether it’s for a single concert or the entire season, skilled musicians of all ages who want to keep music a vital part of their lives are always encouraged to join us. The Hays Symphony rehearses every Tuesday evening with a couple additional rehearsals during concert week.
Community Members
Contact our director, Ben Cline, regarding your interest and background by filling out the form below. The need for specific instruments fluctuates from year to year, depending on FHSU student participation and instrumentation of specific pieces, but string players are always needed.
FHSU Students
Participation in the symphony is based on recommendations from FHSU music faculty and possible course enrollment. Contact our director, Ben Cline, for details by filling out the form below.
Volunteer
The Hays Symphony Guild welcomes volunteer help with various publicity and fundraising activities. Whether you’re a crack videographer who could create Facebook posts for us, a teacher who could help promote concerts to students, a music lover who wants to serves as an ambassador for the group, or simply someone with ideas for us to consider, we welcome your involvement. Contact Ben Cline (brcline@fhsu.edu) or fill out the form below to learn how you can get involved.
