By Jennifer Nelson, Lower School music teacher

As the old joke goes, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?”

Practice. Practice. Practice.

Four of our talented Grade 4 musicians did just that, and they were selected to perform in this year’s Carnegie Hall Link Up Virtual Concert.

“I will never forget hearing that music up close… I’ve never heard anything like that before.” – Hunter G.

The audition came up suddenly the day after Spring Break, and Adelaide T. ’30, Gabriel Y. ’30, Clementine C. ’30, and Hunter G. ’30 answered the call. All students in Grade 4 were invited to send a video of themselves singing and playing the recorder. We approached it as an optional, extra credit exercise—more about how to put together an audition than about harboring the hope of being chosen among hundreds of applicants from around the greater New York City area. Imagine our delight to have four Poly students selected from among our brave 10 who gave it a whirl.

“I will always remember how well the orchestra sounds when everyone is focused. We also made new friends.  We are all going to meet together in the park for a playdate this summer.” – Gabriel Y.

Our young musicians spent two full days rehearsing and filming at SUNY Purchase and Carnegie Hall along with the orchestra and composers of the Link Up program. Pieces include Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Reena Esmail’s “Ram Tori Maya,” Dvorak’s “New World Symphony,” Stravinsky’s “Firebird,” and a newly commissioned arrangement of the spiritual, “We Shall Not Be Moved” by Natalie Joachim. The concert will be aired sometime in late May, and we can’t wait to sing and play along with our friends in the show!

“I will remember how nice everyone was. They made it really fun for us, and we had a great time!” – Clementine C.

We are so proud of our Lower School musicians! Watch the full concert now – be on the lookout for our wonderful Poly students!