Seniors Jessie Miller and Sam Kpeti have been selected to perform with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as part of the Side-by-Side program on March 6 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre.

“It’s really selective to get in, so I’ve auditioned for a couple years now, and this is my first time getting in since I’m a senior and this is my last chance,” Miller said.

“It’s super cool to play with the best musicians in the state.”

The ISO was founded in 1930 and has been doing the side-by-side program since 1991. Students participating in the program must audition and are coached alongside members of the professional orchestra.

Although both Miller and Kpedi are excited to have this opportunity, some may wonder if there are any nerves playing with professionals.

“I mean, they are professionals. They have been playing for years, and I’ve been playing my instrument for five or six years,” Kpedi said.

Miller and Kpedi will be performing a collection of three songs. The songs that will be played are “En Saga Op.9” by Jean Sibelius, “Poem for Flute and Orchestra” by Charles Griffes, and Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances Op.45,” all of which require rigorous practice to play.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment to be able to play the type of repertoire that they perform with the professional musicians along side of them,” orchestra director Jose Valencia said.

“The pieces they are playing this year are, in fact, some of the most difficult pieces for any professional orchestra to tackle,” he added. “They are doing a amazing job.”

Both Miller and Kpedi have been rehearsing since the beginning of January for this big event.

“It’s an amazing opportunity, and Sam and I are both super excited,” Miller said.