The Southeast Missouri State University Orchestra kicked off the 2012-2013 season with a symphony sampler concert on Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Robert F. and Gertrude L. Shuck Music Recital Hall.

The symphony sampler gave a sneak-peek of what to expect throughout the school year. The orchestra, which is directed by Dr. Sara Edgerton, consisted of the string section: cello, string bass, violin and viola; the woodwind section: clarinet, flute, oboe and bassoon; the brass section: trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba; and the percussion section: timpani, snare drum, bells, bass drum and cymbals.

The concert started with a sample of Nicolai Kimsky-Vorsakov's Overture on Russian Themes, Opt. 28. After the first piece, Edgerton gave an introduction to the instruments that are played in the orchestra. One person from each section played a piece from their instrument and told why each instrument is significant to the orchestra.

Following the next two performances, Aram Khatchaturian's Masquerade Suite, the Waltz expert, and Felix Menderssohn's Symphony No. 5, "Reformation" Op. 107, there was a drawing for tickets to each concert throughout the school year. Each person was given half of a raffle ticket to see if their number matched the tickets drawn. There were a total of four people who won free tickets. They won tickets to the fall and winter concerts, which take place in October and in December and to the spring concerts which take place in March and in May.

The next piece was from one of the most famous composers of the 19th Century, Tchaikovsky, which is titled Valse Sentimentale, Op. 51 No. 6. Edgerton even played the cello with the orchestra, and Paul Thompson was the pianist.

To close the concert, the orchestra played more from Aram Khatchaturian's piece, Masqurade Suite, Mazurka. This particular piece is from the Gala Season Opening concert, which will be Oct. 9. The Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra is for all audiences and ages, whether a music enthusiast or just a person who loves fine arts.