By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
Two local high school musicians will have the opportunity of a lifetime in February when they perform on stage in New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
Aaron Hawley, a senior at Salina High School Central, and Lauren Zimmerman, a junior at Salina High School South, are among the 250 students selected from thousands of applicants to perform in the Honors Performance Series High School Concert Choir. They will perform under the direction of Dr. Lynne Gackle, director of choral activities at Baylor University.
Aaron is the son of the Rev. Amy Jo and Jim Hawley. Lauren is the daughter of Dr. Carolyn Hofer and Mark Zimmerman.
According to the Honors Performance Series website, the series “was established to feature talented young musicians on stage at one of the world’s most famous music halls: Carnegie Hall. Selected performers come together in New York City for several days of rehearsals with renowned conductors leading up to their life-changing performance at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. Though much of performers’ time is focused on performance preparation with their conductor, networking with peers and experiencing the sights and performance arts of New York City are also important parts of the experience.”
Aaron and Lauren were nominated by their voice teacher, Leslie Mangrum, and then submitted applications and audition recordings.
“I nominated Aaron and Lauren because not only are they very talented, they are both dependable and hard working. I knew they would arrive prepared and ready to get the most from this experience,” Mangrum said. “They both love performing and are interested in teaching music someday, so this experience will contribute to their future careers.”
Lauren said she was excited for the opportunity.
“I’ve been to New York before and I absolutely loved it,” Lauren said. “And to go and perform is just such an amazing honor. I can’t contain my excitement!”
As for Aaron, he’s looking forward to experience.
“I think going to perform at Carnegie is a really great opportunity for me to see what it is like in more of an international setting and on such a famous stage rather than what I have done before, which is more of a more localized group,” he said.
While traveling to New York to hear the two Salinans perform is not an option for most people, there will be a chance to hear Aaron and Lauren before they go to New York, Mangrum said.
“We are putting together a fundraising recital for January. Aaron and Lauren will perform a variety of solos,” Mangrum explained. “Donations made will help cover their travel and tuition costs.”