Riverside’s Wind Ensemble has been invited back to perform at Carnegie Hall in March of next year. Their first performance at Carnegie in 2014 was a major milestone for band teacher, Meghan Wagner, and her students. Their 2014 visit has inspired them to strive for excellence, as they prepare for their chance to shine in the new year.
The Ravens are set to perform three striking pieces in Carnegie: Early Light by Carolyn Bremer, a contemporary song whose homage is paid to that of The Star Spangled Banner, California by David Maslanka, a moving song inspired by the power of music and creation in The Golden State, and Proud of Me by Michele Fernandez, an upbeat disco that takes inspiration from the classic song Over the Rainbow’s chord progression.
When asked about how Auburn Riverside was selected to perform, Wagner explained, “We always record our concerts, and I will take little pieces from each concert recording, and compile them into one, kind of like the best of every concert, and put that into one recording and then upload the audition. I had to get recommendations from judges who had seen our band in the past. We go to festivals that are judged all the time.”
Not only was the band selected to perform in New York in 2014 but also in 2020. Unfortunately, amidst COVID-19 guidelines, they were unable to perform. Now, the Ravens have another chance to perform in the legendary concert hall and to gain experiences of a lifetime with their bandmates.
Traveling with band students and chaperones across the country can be pricey.
“The cost is broken down individually by students,” Wagner explained. “ So, some students are able to just pay their way. Most students are able to pay something and then we just collect information about who still needs help paying for their trip, and then we set that as our goal.”
Fortunately for the band, their booster club is helping to raise funds for this experience, allowing all wind ensemble students to attend.
Along with the wind ensemble, members of the jazz band will also be traveling to New York to perform in Central Park. They will perform Take the A Train by Billy Strayhorn, arranged by Alan Baylock, April in Paris by Vernon Duke, Escape by Jalen Terry, an Auburn Riverside Alum, Buddy Blues by Jessika Smith, Fly Me to the Moon arranged by Sammy Nestico, When You’re Smiling by Tom Kubis, and Point, Counterpoint by Ellen Rowe.
Preparing for these performances requires no days off.
“We’re practicing a lot,” Wagner explains. “We did a five hour retreat at the beginning of October, and we may do another day like that, maybe the beginning of March, because one class period goes by so fast.”
Every day, first period, band works diligently to make sure no minute of practice goes to waste.
As the time for their departure to N.Y.C. nears, Wagner will bring in reinforcements.
“We’re also going to be bringing in some college band directors who will work with us and give us their perspective, their expertise that will help us prepare as well.”
Riverside band is very fortunate to have Wagner as their teacher, conductor, and mentor considering her expertise in musical education. She was a quarter finalist in 2013 and 2024, and this year she was recognized as a Legacy Candidate for Grammy Teacher of the Year. Teaching Riverside band for 20 years, Wagner provides invaluable experience and connections that better equip her students with the tools they need to be great musicians.
Senior, Maddie Johnston, has a different perspective on the impact of this event. Back in 2020, the ARHS band was also selected to attend the Carnegie hall performance. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 the trip was cancelled.
“I feel really happy, especially knowing that the class of 2020 got accepted to go to Carnegie Hall, and they got that taken away from them,” Maddie shared. “Now, we got this for ourselves.”
A natural anxiety of senior year is figuring out what to do beyond high school. Maddie said she wants to play music professionally.
Playing at Carnegie Hall will help her polish these skills. Maddie hopes “making a resonant sound and trying to be heard as much as possible in such a large venue…” can be something she learns from.
A junior who is currently a part of wind ensemble, Eileen Cho, thinks that this opportunity “… still doesn’t feel real that we’re going there, when I first heard we were going, I thought it was too much for us and I felt a bit pressured and worried. But at the same time, I’m excited and thrilled at the thought of being able to go to New York.”
She also gives young aspiring musicians the advice to “… stay consistent and keep putting your heart into what you do, even when things feel small. And don’t stress over big achievements; stay open to opportunities, because good things can come from that”.
Senior Makenzie Jordan takes part as the band’s leader and she is also very “… excited to play at such a prestigious concert hall at such a young age.”
Makenzie also holds a strong opinion that “People should join band, because making music with instruments and with people you care about is such a unique art form, and it forms a sense of community and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Sophomore Marcia Tidler shares a fresh perspective as an underclassmen attending this trip. She claims that high school band gives her more opportunities to expand her knowledge of music. Marcia shares that she believes “High school band is a lot better,” she pauses, “People from middle school band should give high school band a chance.”
From this trip, Marcia hopes to learn more about what it takes to play music at this level. Carnegie Hall is arguably one of the most prestigious places a musician can perform, let alone a high school student.
Naturally with such a big opportunity, stress comes along. It can be overwhelming to play at a professional level while still being an underclassmen. However, Marcia shares that she is just proud to be playing at such a high level.
“Playing at a venue like Carnegie sometimes can be nerve wracking, but I just have to be proud of myself because I’m able to get to this level.”
As March approaches, these performers aren’t just preparing for any other concert, they’re preparing for an experience that will shape them forever.
