Little Band in the Big Apple

Making a musical debut at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York could be considered a dream come for any musician.

The talented students of the band claimed that prestigious dream and proudly added its name to the impressive list of bands that have performed in the hall since its birth in 1891.

Carnegie has a rich history and been host to a plethora of music greats such as Etta James, Judy Garland, Bob Dylan, the Beatles and Luciano Pavarotti.

Simply playing at the hall implies a musical transcension for its performers.

In March, the Dublin High band played Carnegie Hall during the New York International Music Festival after being selected from thousands of entries from all over the country.

Paul Everts, Dublin High School’s band director, says the trip is a lesson in patience and goal-setting.

“It is important to teach this ‘microwave generation’ that goals take perseverance and patience and in some cases...a lot of time,” he said. “We auditioned for this event through ‘World Projects’ and in February 2011, we found out we were selected and over a year later we accomplished the goal.”

After months of raising money to pay for the trip, which cost $2,200 per person, the 77 band students and 20 chaperones set out for the “Big Apple” last March.

Everts calls Carnegie Hall “breathtaking.”

“One can really feel the spirit and the importance of that building. It is historical. For our students to have this opportunity was amazing! Our music program achieved something that we may not be fully aware the importance of until years from now - again ... delayed gratification,” said Everts.

Adele Sievers, a senior who plays the oboe, saxaphone and drums, says it was the first time she was in New York.

“It was incredible to hear the first note being held in the air at Carnegie,” she said. “We saw a lot of sights while we were there.”

The band played three pieces during their show in Carnegie and recording was not allowed.

Carnegie was just one of the many sights the group took in during their stay. They also visited the 9/11 Memorial, Rockefeller Center, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.

The group took in a Broadway show, seeing the Lion King and played a concert in Central Park.

P.J. Everts, a senior who plays the trombone, says you must be really great to play Carnegie.

“It was remodeled in the 1984 so we played the ‘new Carnegie’ which is very ornate,” he commented. “The dinner cruise on the Hudson was my favorite part of the trip after Carnegie.”

“The 9/11 Memorial was very quiet,” he mentioned. “All you can hear is the water.”

Diana Everts, mother of PJ Everts, chaperoned on the trip.

“Times Square made a huge impression on me. I don’t think there is anything that compares,” she said. “Two in the morning is the same as two in the afternoon. It is amazing. The walkability was nice.”

Everts thanks all of those who helped to get the kids to New York.

“Thank you to all of those who helped in raising the funds, organizing the trip, chaperoned the trip and maybe most importantly - believed that the Dublin High School Music program is worthy of such a goal and that goal should be accomplished,” he said. “We did it!”

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