FALLBROOK— An eighth-grade trumpet player is heading to one of the world’s most prestigious stages this summer after being selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Micah Clemens, a student at Potter Junior High School, was chosen from among thousands of young musicians worldwide to join the Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall, where top student performers rehearse and perform under master conductors.
Clemens, who began playing the trumpet just last year after choosing band as an elective, didn’t expect the instrument to become such a big part of his life. Clemens admitted he first joined band because it seemed like less work than other electives, but his attitude changed once he picked up the trumpet.
“It’s an iconic instrument,” Clemens said. “It’s the feel, the portability, and the boldness of it – and because I always get the main parts in the music.”
His quick progress caught the attention of Potter Junior High School music director Toni Logan, who nominated him for the national honors program.
In February, Clemens also performed in the San Diego 78 Honor Band.
“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series. “We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget.”
The experience will also give students time to explore New York’s culture and performing arts scene, including a Broadway performance.
Clemens said waiting to hear whether he had been selected was nerve-wracking, and he spent all of February anxious for news of his application status.
According to his mother, Nicci Clemens, the month dragged on for both of them.
“He kept saying, ‘Mom, I’m not going to make it,’” she said.
But his mother said she never had any doubt.
“It’s his passion,” Nicci Clemens said. “He’s put in a lot of work learning how to play the trumpet, and he actually enjoys learning it.”
She also praised Logan for mentoring her son.
“She has really turned these students into musicians, and Micah adores her,” she said. “She’s a fun teacher.”
Grateful for the opportunity, Clemens credited both his instructor and his parents for supporting him.
“I really owe this all to my teacher, Mrs. Logan, for all the time and work she put in to teach me so that things like this are possible,” Micah said. “I am also very grateful to my parents for putting up with my beginner trumpet sounds that nearly made their ears bleed.”
While nervous about performing on such a high-profile stage, Clemens said he is excited about the trip, particularly because it will be the farthest he has traveled.
“The furthest I’ve been is New Mexico,” he said.
Clemens also looks forward to trying some of New York’s famous foods, such as $1 pizza slices and bagels.
The family is currently accepting donations to help cover the cost of the trip, which includes a $3,299 tuition fee, not including airfare.
To donate, visit: https://give.honorsperformance.org/e54xhRmpz4.
