From February 9th to the 13th, student musicians internationally travelled to New York for an amazing opportunity to play at the world’s renowned Carnegie Hall. The American High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall, since its inception in 2010, has attracted countless musicians. This year, students from 48 states in the US, Canada, Taiwan, Germany, and Korea have participated in the Honors Performance Series. Students had the opportunity to not only perform at Carnegie Hall, but also to work with the highest rated high school performers from across the United States and certain international schools.
Last fall, participants submitted an application and audition recording for the Honor Performance Series Selection board, and based on their demonstrated talents and achievements, were selected to perform in the Honors Performance Choir, Orchestra, or Band. For five days, students had an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with legendary conductors in music performance, such as Dr. Jeffrey Ames, Dr. Charles Peltz, and Jeffrey Grogan, conducting the choir, orchestra, and band, respectively.
With the conductors, participants tackled on some of the most difficult music. Choir performed works by Haydn, Rachmaninoff, and Barnum, Band did works by Burns, Holst, and Shostakovich, and the Orchestra took on Beethoven, Copland, and Stravinsky. “The four hour long rehearsals are intense!” said Bentley Corbett-Wilson, trumpet player. “However, I feel like I’ve learned more about ensemble performance here than all my years in high school band.” Performing top-notch musical literature at the celebrated Carnegie Hall truly does mark the pinnacle of musical achievements.
Besides the astounding music opportunities, students had the chance to experience New York City first-hand. On the second night, after touring Time Square, they had the chance to see Wicked, Lion King, and Anything Goes on Broadway. The next morning, after attending the nationally televised morning show, students had a chance to walk around New York to see many other tourist attractions, including the Rockefeller Center.
“The concert was probably the most amazing part of it all!” said Cristian McGowan, a trumpet player for the Honors Orchestra. The performance at Carnegie Hall on February 12th, with its 2804 seats all most entirely filled, was available for the public, invited representatives from college music programs, family, and friends. “It was exciting to finally be able to play for a full-house, especially at Carnegie,” said McGowan. “I’m so curious how we sounded from the seats!” The truth was, all three groups sounded amazing. As each ensemble concluded its last piece, the audience roared with applause, each group receiving multiple standing ovations for their performance.
“I can’t believe I just played in Carnegie,” said Keeheon Nam, clarinetist for the Honors Orchestra, as he walked out the back stage. “Not even my music teacher has played here!” The American High School Honors Performance Series was undoubtedly a life-changing, remarkable experience for all those who have participated. Congratulations on your performance!
