(VIDEO) Hopkins Students Join Professional Musician for 'Spotlight Concert'

In 2001, singer/songwriter Billy McLaughlin was diagnosed with focal dystonia—an incurable neuromuscular disease that left him unable to use his fret hand when playing guitar.

McLaughlin eventually taught himself to play music left-handed, but there’s a good chance the disease will spread to that hand. So he’s soaking up every musical experience he can get.

One of the experiences he’s always wanted is to perform with an orchestra. He’ll get that chance Saturday when he takes the stage with Hopkins High School musicians.

The Orchestra Spotlight Concert is part of an artist-in-residency program that brings students and professional musicians together. Students get to try out different types of music and learn more about what it’s like to be a professional musician.

McLaughlin said musical experiences like these are a privilege, but they’re also a treat for the audience. The guitarist has a unique way of playing, and the orchestra’s strings add an extra layer of depth to the songs.

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If you go …

• When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
• Where: Hopkins High School auditorium
• Cost: $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.