By Matt Holsapple
Staff Writer

Three young musicians will be facing the biggest performance of their short careers on Saturday.

Three local teenagers — Ted Arthur, Bethany Jones and Matt Mindrun — will be performing as featured soloists with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra in the 25th annual Keller Concert.

Each year the Keller Concert gives young musicians the opportunity to perform as featured soloists with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra accompanying them.

The concert is named after Allen Keller, a longtime treasurer of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. In the 25 years since the concert's inception, more than 50 young vocalists and instrumentalists have performed alongside the orchestra.

Arthur, Jones and Mindrun were chosen to perform after auditioning this summer. None of them expected to be chosen.

Mindrun, who auditioned last year and was not chosen, expected the same fate this year.

"It had been a goal of mine for two years. I really didn't think I would get it this soon," Mindrun said.

Jones had similar feelings going into the audition. She auditioned for the show with the goal of getting audition experience to help her in future years.

"We thought that maybe in a few years I might have a shot. We didn't think I would win this year," Jones said.

Jones, a violinist, is familiar with playing in the orchestra. While she has never been a featured soloist, she has been a member of the orchestra for the past two years. When she started at the age of 12, she was the youngest member ever to be in the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra.

"At first it was a little intimidating but now I am comfortable. I really don't feel like I am younger anymore," Jones said.

Arthur has been playing the piano for 10 years. He credits his parents for starting him when he was so young.

"They say that I was always interested in music, so they took me to piano lessons and I really liked it. My parents started me early," Arthur said.

Arthur plays every Sunday as the accompanist of the St. Thomas Aquinas children's choir at St. Thomas Aquinas in West Lafayette. He has also participated in the Monster Concert at the Long Center. This concert involves 10 pianists performing together in a piano band.

Mindrun has not been playing for as long as the other two winners, but he has achieved a lot in a short time.

He currently performs with the New World Youth Orchestra in Indianapolis and has played as the principal E flat clarinet with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

He is also active in band and jazz band at Harrison High School, as well as choir and school musicals.

"I am interested in pursuing clarinet and vocal music in college. I want a career in music but I am not sure what area," Mindrun said.

One thing that all winners have in common is a sense of achievement about being asked to perform.

"I have never been a featured soloist before and especially to be accompanied by the orchestra. It is such an honor," Jones said.

Arthur spoke for all of the winners by saying, "This is probably the biggest thing I have done. It will be a big challenge."