Shiner student selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City

Aiden Collins, a junior at Shiner High School, has been selected for the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. Aiden will perform Tuba in February with the Honors Symphony/Orchestra. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated young performers from across the world.
Aiden auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was recently accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in their application essays and audition recording.
Aiden has studied music for six years and is a member of the award-winning Shiner High School Comanche Band. Aiden has auditioned for and performed in many honor bands since beginning in junior high, including the ATSSB All State band as one of the top tuba players in Texas.
In addition to band, Aiden is the junior class treasure and service co-chair for NHS. He is also active in student council, the Chamber YAT volunteer program and Gaslight Theatre.  
“I am still processing the fact that I get to take my tuba and perform at Carnegie Hall, something great musicians strive for. I have put in a lot of hours into my tuba by taking private lessons for 4 years and continuing my dedication to learning after we moved to Shiner. It is an honor to represent our small Texas town in New York City,” Aiden said.
Aiden will join performers from all over the United States as well as overseas for a special performance at the world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement. The finalists will come together in New York City where they will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other performers, and get a taste of NYC.
The Honors Performance will take place February 11 and is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased beginning approximately 60 days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office.
“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 Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world renowned venues.
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.
To help offset the cost of travel and participation in the program, Aiden has organized a few raffles with the help of our generous community. There are 12 prize groupings available in addition to a raffle for a custom Texas A&M and University of Texas quilts. Drawing will be December 3.
Tickets are available for purchase at the following locations: Howard’s, Parker Lumber, BlueStem, Luci Pustka – LMT, Shinerville Coffee House or contact Aiden’s parents directly (Sarah, 832-368-0278 or Mike, 409-256-7076).
“I appreciate the generous donations from local business and community support to help make this once-in-a-lifetime trip a reality,” he said.