From Feb. 1 to Feb. 5, senior Julia Wang had the opportunity to travel to New York City and perform in Carnegie Hall alongside talented high school musicians from around the world through Honors Performance Series (HPS). Wang already plays the violin with the school’s orchestra, sings with the school’s choir, accompanies musicals in the pit and participates in GTCYS, immersing herself in music.

“I sent in my audition recording over the summer after my teacher nominated me to apply. She really wanted me to in past years, but I didn’t really have the time until now,” Wang said.

Wang was placed in the Honors Symphony Orchestra, which included string, wind and brass players. In total there are two choirs, two orchestras and one band that students can participate in through HPS.

“I got there on Thursday night, and then on Friday and Saturday we had a three hour rehearsal in the morning and another three hour rehearsal in the afternoon,” Wang said.

In addition to rehearsals, Wang also had the opportunity to take part in various activities in NYC with a group of 15 other students. Wang saw “The Lion King” on Broadway and went on a boat cruise on Saturday.

“I roomed with three other people, but I had no idea who they were, which was kind of scary but also really fun to get to know them. In my chaperone group, we also all got really close because it was a bunch of people I had never met before and I got thrown together with them and spent all day with them so we all became really good friends,” Wang said.

On Sunday night, Feb. 4, the orchestra played parts of “The Firebird Suite“, a Spanish dance by Manuel de Falla and a commissioned piece that had only been played once before.

“We really only had two days to learn all this music and put it together, which meant that rehearsals could get really hard and long but the concert was super rewarding,” Wang said.

Wang also believes the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall was unique and memorable.

“Carnegie Hall is just such an amazing place. I went there last year with the [school] choir but I didn’t feel like it was the same since I didn’t really earn it. I just got to go which was cool but [going with HPS]  was different because I auditioned and earned my spot in this orchestra,” Wang said.

Wang added that she hopes her new friendships continue to grow: “It’s hard because the people I met live all over the country so I’m probably not going to get the chance to see them much, or at all, but I’m going to try to keep in touch because we went through an amazing experience together and share so many memories that I don’t to lose.”