SINCE its construction in 1891, musicians have eyed Carnegie Hall as a dream venue. Those who perform there join an elite class of top-tier artists who capture the attention of New York—even if it’s just for the night. Next year, on Feb. 7, four Gilroy High students will feel the bright lights of Carnegie Hall shine on them as they perform at the 2016 High School Honors Performance Series.
Gilroy High’s Nicole Holder, Savanna Brandon, Skyler Hungerford and Alex Green were selected as finalists for February concert. They will join nearly 750 of their peers from the U.S. and also Guam, Canada, Armenia, China, Japan, Mexico, Oman, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
“(I feel) like a proud daddy,” Gilroy High Director of Choirs and Bands Jonathan Souza said. “I feel so privileged to walk alongside these young people as they grow into mature musicians and challenge themselves and take risks.”
The four Mustangs were selected from a field of more than 18,000 nominees. Each had to submit an audition tape, which required a minute-and-a-half Italian solo piece to display each musician’s vocal range. From there, the students filled out applications, noting their various academic and musical awards. Hailing from a program such as Gilroy High’s—which regularly receives superior ratings for its choir—the students had a lengthy awards resume to submit.
Souza said he nominated students who he felt were not only musically talented, but also all-around “good kids”.
“I can’t believe I get to sing on one of the most famous stages in the world,” Mustangs’ finalist Green said. “I have to go shopping. I’ve never been somewhere that cold before.”
Gilroy’s quartet now must raise $2,000 apiece to fund their trip to the Big Apple. The cost for the trip includes travel, music, lodging and a Broadway show, which they will attend on day 2 of their five-day trip.
To raise the money, the choir will perform its “Disney Extravaganza: Treats and Tunes Gala” concert at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Gilroy High School Student Center. It will also be available to hire for traditional holiday caroling. Those looking to support the singers can also make a donation by contacting Souza at
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“Whether it’s these four students making Carnegie Hall or a student who couldn’t sing on the first day of class that can sing a tune at the end of the semester, they both give me joy,” Souza said. “I’m very proud to be along for the ride on their journey as life-long musicians.”
For more information on the 2016 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall, visit honorsperformance.org.
