TCU Musicians Headed to Carnegie Hall

Student excited to perform in the Big Apple

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

The old joke says you practice, practice, practice -- and it worked for a group of Texas Christian University musicians.

TCU Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble members described their opportunity to perform in New York City as "pretty epic."

"This is about as good as it gets when comes to going on a trip with a band or any other musical group," said Scott Sidway, a TCU master's student and trombone player.

The band's trip comes courtesy of the music department staff, which had the idea, booked the date and helped raise the funds.

Bobby Francis, director of bands, conducted at Carnegie before he came to TCU. He said his students are in for an historic treat.

"When they perform well and leave the stage, they're going to leave with a ton (of) memories," he said.

Performing on the big stage and at internationally renowned locations is something TCU bands have gotten use to in the last two months.

"From the Rose Bowl to the Super Bowl, and we're playing Carnegie next week -- it's an opportunity of a lifetime," said senior Hannah Harvey, who plays the flute.

Band members also recently played at the Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba and the Texas Music Educators Conference.

"This is pretty cool," said senior Bennett Parsons, who plays the tuba-like euphonium. "I think it's just a culmination of all the things that have happened here at TCU."

The symphony will leave North Texas on Monday for performances Wednesday and Thursday night. The Carnegie show is Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.

The 100 or so students will also take in some shows while in New York.

Prior to leaving, the symphony put on an identical show to their Carnegie performance on campus at the Ed Landreth Auditorium.

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