From Jordan to Carnegie Hall: Students Perform on Music's Grandest Stage

Photo courtesy of National Concerts.

In a heartwarming conclusion to a lifelong story, several members of Jordan High School’s choir, band and orchestra returned this week from a once-in-a-lifetime experience, having performed at the renowned Carnegie Hall.

Approximately 80 students traveled to New York City from March 9-13 to participate in a festival hosted by National Concerts, an organization that provides unique performance experiences for choirs, bands and orchestras in iconic venues across the United States. The students earned the rare invitation after submitting an audition last year. 

The trip was transformative for the high school musicians, marking the first time many of them traveled far, let alone performed on a global stage. It provided them with valuable educational experiences and opportunities to learn and collaborate with young musicians from all over the United States. In addition, the choral students worked with a renowned composer-in-residence to learn and perform a brand-new piece, specifically created for the concert.

The Panthers’ journey to music’s most iconic stage also served as a testament to the power of a community, as the trip was made possible through the generous support of the Long Beach community.

Last year, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and the Mayor’s Fund, a nonprofit in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor, organized a benefit concert to help raise funds for the students to travel to New York. 

Additionally, the Long Beach Airport hosted a send-off celebration and graciously donated $5,000 to help cover hotel accommodations, educational workshops and other travel expenses. Southwest Airlines also provided airfare vouchers for all students. 

“Supporting our Jordan High School students’ journey to Carnegie Hall represents the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence and equity that defines our community,” Long Beach Unified Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker said. 

“This remarkable achievement showcases the power of partnership between 菠菜网lol正规平台, the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach, Long Beach Airport and Southwest Airlines. We are immensely proud of our young musicians, and this experience exemplifies the endless opportunities available to our students when we come together to support their dreams,” Baker continued.

As the students return to Long Beach with eagerness to pursue their next dream, the memories of Carnegie Hall and the community’s support will always remind them of what they accomplished and the heights they can reach.

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