heyy everyone... I am reposting this from when I posted it in 2012. This was written a year after the best band trip ever... But I have to give a shout out to the RHS Marching Band for performing at Super Bowl XVIII at MetLife Stadium. they played with Bruno Mars and many other big names... so please enjoy my account from when I was 18 years old; I was 17 when I plays, 18 when I wrote this, and 20 when I reposted this... danke!!!
I know that I am posting this a year late, but I just hit me! Last year was my senior year of high school and I got the greatest opportunity that most musicians will never get to experience!!! CARNEGIE HALL!!!!
Roxbury was invites to preform and of course Mr. H, our conductor, said yes!! My symphony band was the first high school symphony in the state of New Jersey to play. Now that is a true honor and amazing thing. We only had a little over 2.5 months to prep for the big day, which was November 22, 2011. We played three songs: Overture on a Southern Hymm, Fire of Eternal Glory, and Pustza mvt 4.
Roxbury is know for playing through pieces and making them sound great, and not for sight-reading. So that would give a reason as to why many didn't do well on tests. These songs were amazing and to just play was moving. Yes, Pustza is a multi movement but we only played one! We as a band worked many days and practices at home to get everything sounding right. I think that I was jipped out of a good part and the other two just joked it off. But, I went with it and did what I needed to do.
As I woke up that day, I brought my concert dress and shoes with me to school and changed during a class. I made sure my makeup was all good and put everything in my band locker before going back to my class. As band was coming, everyone starts to panic and get ready. There are girls dartting to the restroom and guys to the band room. Everyone gathers what they need and loads up 007, the marching band bus for the bigger instrument, the smaller instruments had to be carried on the bus; and off we went to NYC and Carnegie Hall!!!
When we arrived, we unloaded and walked up to the 5th or 6th floor, can't really remember. Once we all have our things in order, we leave for dinner. After, we walk back up to our space and gather our instruments and folders and move to the rehearsal space. We were on stage first so we had to warm up and get things in order. The band department had been there for the Honors Wind Symphony back in 2003ish, I think; before I as in high school. Everyone was ready to play. As we all waited in order and to introduced on stage, I got the chills, many greats have played and walked through these same halls and I am now one of them. Seventeen years old and I was among the greats; and to be in high school! I wish all high school musicians could play there.
We played our fifteen minutes and that was it! The magical night was over on stage and we got to watch two bands, one from California and one from Arkansas. After everyone played we all got standing O's (ovations) for a great night and great accomplishments from everyone that took part! After, we walked up one last time, got everything and walked out proud and accomplished. We didn't get home until almost midnight and I did not go to the pep rally and powder puff game the next day, I slept in!!
Over all, it was a great highlight of my senior year. I have been through a lot and for something like this to happen to a great music department, actually, Roxbury's music department is the best in the STATE OF NJ!!! Nothing mad me happier that year.
Looking back, I wish I took photos but I didn't and got something, but I have the memories of that special night!
Here is a link to the whole performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYboExZs8BM
But you can look up in youtube: Roxbury High School Carnegie Hall 2011 and find videos or audio!
This was the best day of my life!!!
-Shannon
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