Feb. 1, 2024 -- Marquis Payton will be the featured senior soloist during the Instrumental Music Department’s Midwinter Concert on Friday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m.

He will play Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto in G for Violin and Orchestra RV 310 with the Heights High Symphony.

“What is amazing about Marquis is how quickly he learns things,” said Daniel Heim, the Director of Orchestras at Heights High School. “He just has a work ethic that is like hardly anybody I have ever seen.”

Marquis Payton began playing violin in fifth grade at Oxford Elementary School and continued playing at Monticello Middle School. At Heights High, he has been a member of Concert Orchestra, the Philharmonic Strings, and is in his second year with the Heights High Symphony. In addition to the Heights High Symphony, Marquis regularly participates in the Heights High’s Chamber Music program, has worked as a counselor in the Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp, and was in the pit orchestra for Sister Act.

A recipient of the IMD’s John F. Farinacci Award during his sophomore year, Marquis studies violin privately with Stewart Pharis. The award is annually presented to an outstanding freshman or sophomore in the IMD to “support the long-standing tradition that cherishes and encourages music as a necessary and vital part of every student’s upbringing.” The award is accompanied by a scholarship for private lessons.

Marquis is also a member of the Heights High Boys Track team as a 400 meter sprinter and pole vaulter. He received first place in the pole vaulting event at a recent Lake Erie League Championship.

After graduation Marquis plans to attend Cleveland State University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Music.

Marquis would like to thank his teachers, Daniel Heim and Stewart Pharis, for their guidance, constant support, and encouragement of his musical growth. He would also like to thank fellow senior soloists, Sophie Muller and Nathaniel Tisch for their encouragement, and his fellow orchestra students for making ensemble playing such a wonderful experience. Finally, Marquis would like to thank his family for supporting his love of music.

On Friday, February 9, the Heights High Symphony will also perform Sinfonia for String Orchestra from String Quartet No. 8, Op. 110 by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by Lucas Dew.

The Friday concert also features performances by the Concert Orchestra, the Philharmonic Strings, and a combined orchestra performance with 8th grade orchestra students from Monticello and Roxboro Middle School.

On Thursday, February 8, the Heights High Symphonic Winds will present Claude T. Smith’s Emperata Overture, Salvation is Created by Pavel Tchesnekov, Declaration and Dance by William Owens, and Randall Standridge’s Choose Joy.

The Thursday concert will also feature performances by the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble.

Both the February 8 and 9 concerts will be hosted in the Main Auditorium of Cleveland Heights High School and will be followed by a reception in the cafeteria.

There will be no cost for admission to the concerts. Instead, the Band and Orchestra Parent Organization (BOPO) will be accepting donations that will directly go towards supporting instrumental music at Heights High School.

For additional information, contact Daniel Heim at [email protected] or Dr. Nicholas Marzuola at [email protected]..