February 22, 2008

EVHS Wind Ensemble to perform at Carnegie Hall

By Bill Highlander
Editor

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? The response by Henny Youngman was, “Practice, practice, practice.”

And that’s what the Evergreen Valley High School Wind Ensemble is continuing to do as it prepares to play Carnegie Hall on Mar. 16-18.

Local residents will get a chance to hear these talented musicians tune up in a performance on Friday, Mar. 6 and on Thursday, Mar. 13 in the school’s auditorium at 7 p.m.

Steven Barnhill, EVHS band director, will be leading the 54 students to play in the New York Wind Band Festival, as one of five bands selected to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Senior Angie Michaiel said, “It is difficult to describe how lucky we are to play on a stage that has, for so many decades, held people who have changed the world. We are young and already we have the chance to truly go somewhere with our music.”

Twelfth-grade student and clarinet player, Lening Tong said, “I'm really excited because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I'm also really nervous because I want the whole band to do really well for the concert. There is no doubt that this truly is a remarkable opportunity. We expect to play no less than our best and deliver a beautiful performance.”