PIHS student to perform at Carnegie
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
ABIGAIL SHAW, 15, a sophomore at Presque Isle High School, will perform Feb. 22 alongside high school students from throughout the United States, Canada, and several foreign countries at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Shaw was selected for the 2015 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall, presented by WorldStrides. She will perform as a second soprano with the Honors Choir.
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Abigail Shaw, a sophomore at Presque Isle High School, will join performers from throughout the United States, Canada, and several foreign countries for a Feb. 22 concert at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.
Shaw was selected for the 2015 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall, presented by WorldStrides. She will perform as a second soprano with the Honors Choir. Participation in one of the three honors ensembles is limited to the highest rated high school performers from across North America and select schools internationally.
“I couldn’t actually believe it [when I found out I was selected],” said Shaw, 15. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh!’ They emailed me on Halloween and I freaked out. I figured there were so many people who tried out that I wouldn’t be chosen; it’s a very select group. I was shocked.”
The High School Honors Performance Series was established to showcase some of the most talented student performers in high school today. Through an individual nomination and selection process, accomplished students are brought together in New York City with peers to comprise the Honors Choir and Honors Instrumental ensembles.
“I sent in two of the All-State audition pieces that I had worked on with Mr. Jay Nelson [SAD 1 vocal music director], as well as a performance résumé and biography,” said Shaw, “and I found out on Halloween that I was a finalist.”
While in New York City Feb. 19-23, Shaw will rehearse and interact with other finalists preparing for the Feb. 22 concert. Students will also be able to do some sightseeing in the Big Apple.
“We’re going to get to go to a Broadway show,” she said. “I’m hoping it will be ‘The Lion King.’ I’ve never been to New York, so it should be a lot of fun.”
Shaw said the Honors Choir will sing six songs.
“One of the songs people would be familiar with is ‘This Little Light of Mine,’” she said. “Another song is in German, but they’re all very pretty pieces. I really enjoy them.”
Shaw received the sheet music in the mail, and was emailed a link so she could hear the accompaniment music.
“That way I can practice and really sing to the music,” she said. “I’ve been practicing for quite a while. Mr. Nelson has been working with me. We usually meet Wednesday mornings before school. Things have been going well.”
Nelson said Shaw will enjoy working with guest conductor Eph Ehly.
“Eph Ehly is a retired college music educator from Kansas City. I have taken a summer class with him and have observed him with a couple of different high school honor choirs, and he is by far my favorite conductor,” said Nelson. “Abby will have a blast working with him and singing with these wonderful high school singers from all over the country. I am jealous!”
According to Morgan Smith, program director for the Honors Performance Series, “Being selected is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We process more than 10,000 nominations annually, selecting only the most talented performers applying on an international level. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these student musicians never forget.”
Each year, the Series selects approximately 500 finalists for the High School Honors Performance Series.
As she contemplates her upcoming experience, Shaw said she’s most looking forward to performing in Carnegie Hall itself.
“That’s a huge deal,” she said. “There’s also going to be college scouts there, so I might end up getting some college letters from it. Who knows?”
Shaw has studied music for five years and is a member of the PIHS Chorus and Band, is a four-year participant in the All-Aroostook Chorus, and is a member of this year’s All-State Chorus. She performed in “The Sound of Music” and “Willy Wonka” with the Shipmates Playhouse, and has been in several productions with Presque Isle Community Players including “Annie,” “The King and I,” and played the title role in “Oliver.”
In addition, she has been involved in the high school’s competition plays, and had roles in the Presque Isle Middle School plays, as well.
“I really like singing, and I’ve been doing it my whole life,” said Shaw. “When you really enjoy it like I do, you kind of forget about everything around you when you are singing.”
The Sunday, Feb. 22 performance is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased through the Carnegie Hall box office.
Shaw, the daughter of Amanda and DJ Bonville and Andy and Tori Shaw, said she would love to study music and theater in college.
“Music will always be a part of my life,” she said.
