Outline:
A Student’s Journey to Carnegie Hall
YOUNGSVILLE, La. — A student from Southside High School is about to step onto one of the most prestigious stages in the world after being selected for a national honors music program. Anzlie Ingram, a senior clarinetist at Southside High School in the Lafayette Parish School System, has been chosen to perform with the Honors Band as part of the High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.
Ingram earned this opportunity through a highly competitive audition and selection process reviewed by the Honors Performance Series Selection Board. Participation in the program is limited to high-achieving student musicians from across the United States and abroad.
“I really don’t know how to explain it. It is almost euphoric in a way, because I know that no one else will really be able to experience such a thing,” Ingram said. “I am really proud that I get to represent my school. It was just a little bit more special because I went out and did it on my own.”
Background and Experience
A clarinetist with eight years of experience, Ingram is a member of the Southside High School Symphonic Band and has performed with several regional and statewide ensembles, including the Lafayette Concert Band and the Louisiana Music Educators Association All-State Band.
Her band director nominated her for the program, after which she spent months preparing an audition video that showcased her technical skill and musicianship. Ingram said the process reinforced how demanding and complex band performance can be.
“It is not just blowing air into an instrument and just putting your fingers down,” she said. “You have to think about so many things. About tuning with your fellow peers and being able to play difficult music, rhythmically accurate.”
Recognition and Achievement
In addition to being accepted into the program, Ingram was selected as first chair in the clarinet section, a distinction reserved for the top-performing musician within the section.
“The clarinet section is divided into like two, three, or maybe even four parts sometimes. First part is technically the most difficult to do,” Ingram said. “Getting first clarinet and first part is like an honor. I was really surprised when that happened, considering how limited the spots are in the program.”
Encouragement and Future Goals
As she prepares for the performance, Ingram said she hopes her experience encourages other students to pursue opportunities beyond their comfort zones.
“I would say just don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, just take the chance,” she said. “You never know what can happen.”
Ingram will take the Carnegie Hall stage on Feb. 8, performing alongside top student musicians from across the country in a milestone moment for both her and the Southside High School band program.
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