By LINDSAY ALEXANDER
Carnegie Hall with its Victorian exterior and interior (including a five tiered balcony, red velvet seats, top of the line acoustics and famous crystal chandelier) is one of the most prestigious concert halls in the entire world.
Carnegie is located in the heart of Midtown in New York City, and since it opened in 1891, it has seen some of the world’s greatest musicians. The hall has missed no genre, showcasing everything from the Rolling Stones to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and this March the Sound of the Braves’ Wind Symphony will take the stage.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to travel to New York and perform in one of the finest concert halls in the world. The experience of performing in the legendary hall will have a lasting impact on each of their lives,” Michael Butler, band director, said.
Wind Symphony is the highest of all the wind and percussion classes. To qualify, one must know all 12 majors, be able to sight read a piece of music and play a prepared piece. After accomplishing these tasks the band directors, Michael Butler and Jose Eslava make final cuts.
The Wind Symphony was one of six selected last spring from high school bands across the country to perform at Carnegie Hall on March 8 as part of the New York Wind Band Festival. This is the first time they have been chosen to perform there. They were selected based on a tape audition sent in last spring.
To prepare, they practice every Wednesday after school as a group for two hours and are also responsible for practicing individually.
The trip costs $1,300 per person, and to raise money, the Wind Symphony held car washes and sold cookie dough, poinsettias and citrus.
They are playing a selection of music ranging from Richard Saucedo’s “Windsprints” to Eric Whitacre’s “Sleep”. Their entire performance is 20 minutes and their audience will range from professional groups to other high school bands to New York locals.
“It’s a big city plus music, my two greatest passions. I’m going to be in the best city in the world with my favorite people in the world,” sophomore percussion player Katy Smith said.
Junior flute player Kelly Sizemore says music is everything, and she is most looking forward to the actual performance at Carnegie Hall.
“I’m every emotion. I’m nervous. I’m excited. We’re playing in the most prestigious hall; every emotion has gone through my head,” Sizemore said.