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By Via Kelly ’25

When I first got my nomination letter for the Honors Performance Series, I thought there had been a mistake. I had just walked in the door after another normal day of school, and my dad said that a letter had arrived for me. I opened it, not expecting anything of much importance, when I saw the words, “You have been nominated” and “Carnegie Hall.” I think I was shocked at seeing it because I do not remember much of the rest.

It turns out that my music teacher, Mr. Mah, had nominated me to apply for this program that brings together young musicians from around the world to perform in iconic spaces like Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. I rushed into his room the next day to thank him and to enlist his help for my audition. A month later, I received my acceptance letter. I was so excited. I am pretty sure that Mr. Mah heard my surprise in the practice room from his seat in the chorus room. 

Then ensued the tireless practicing for the final performance. In the months leading up to my performance, I spent many late nights singing, rehearsing, and practicing until I was almost hoarse. Even if I was exhausted or if I had an early morning the next day, I made myself rehearse. I made myself sound flawless. I would not squander this amazing opportunity. 

When I finally made it to New York, I could not have been giddier and more nervous. The program housed their students in a hotel on Broadway, in the very heart of the city. When I first arrived, I was almost lost in the sea of people, and that definitely made me feel more nervous. I was worried that I would not measure up to the rest of the talented group. But, as soon as I met my roommate and the rest of the choir, that all faded into the background. They were all so kind, and we quickly became close, talking about our shared love of Broadway, and playing cutthroat rounds of Uno. We only became closer each day. We endured the eight-hour-long rehearsal sessions for two days together. We walked through the freezing cold to see Bryant Park and ate delicious New York pizza together. We watched the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel together. We danced together. We did everything together, until Performance Day finally arrived.

Everybody woke up that morning with a nervous energy. We were ready,  just a little bit jittery as well (I had not even had my coffee yet). We squeezed in one more rehearsal session before the show, and then we were off to Carnegie Hall. 

Anybody who has ever been to Carnegie Hall can tell you that it is beautiful. What they do not tell you is that the view is so much better from the stage. From the second I stepped on that stage, all I could do was look up and out. Every chair in the audience was covered in lush, red velvet. The walls were sparkling with white and gold moldings, and everything was awash in a soft, yellow light emanating from the stage – from us – and our singing. The rest of the show was a blur after that. All I remember is not wanting to look away from the cheering crowd and feeling a sudden rush of relief at the end of the performance. 

Looking back on all of this, I see all of the people who have helped me get to this point. To my teachers, I am especially grateful. Thank you for always pushing me to be bigger and get better. Finally, thank you, Mr. Mah, for helping me practice. I got to Carnegie Hall!