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When the Menlo Invitational Orchestra Festival hosts a free concert on March 9, Menlo School sophomore Shea Ketsdever, age 15, will be at the podium, baton in hand, leading the 100-plus young musicians from five Peninsula high schools in one of the program's works.

The festival, created by Shea, is in its first year, and participants include members of several Menlo School ensembles. Musicians also include members of the Lick Wilmerding Orchestra, the Castilleja School Ensemble, the Topaz Ensemble, the Community School of Music and Arts Ensemble, and the Egan School Ensemble.

"The idea behind the festival is to provide an opportunity for young musicians in the Peninsula to collaborate and perform together," Shea said in a press release from the school. "The highlight of the festival is the massed ensemble, composed of all participants performing together in the final two pieces."

Shea, Menlo School Orchestra's assistant conductor, will lead the orchestra in a performance of "Roll Tide" by Hans Zimmer, according to Jill Kasser of Menlo School. In addition to the two full-orchestra pieces, the concert will include performances by several ensembles.

Before the festival concert, the young musicians will receive instrumental coaching from area professionals.

Menlo School is at 50 Valparaiso Ave. in Atherton. The concert will be in the school's Creative Arts and Design Center.

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