Hartselle City Schools announced eleventh grader Grace Friar was selected for the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York.

She performed in Feb. with the Honors Symphony Orchestra. Participation in one of the five Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

Earlier this year, Friar auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was 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 her application and audition recording.

Friar joined other performers from all 49 United States, Guam, two Canadian provinces, and a number of foreign countries for a special performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

According to Morgan Smith, Program Director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” he said. “We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 750 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once in a lifetime experience that these musicians never forget.”

Friar has studied music for 11 years and is a member of Hartselle Band program. She has been a member of the of the Huntsville Youth Symphony where she has played violin and currently plays French horn. She is also a member of the Alabama All State Red Band.

In response to her selection as a Finalist, Grace said, “The Honors Performance was one of the best experiences of her life.”

Finalists came together in New York City for five days in Feb. Students had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other finalists, and get a taste of New York City. Two performances, an Honors Choral Performance and an Honors Instrumental Performance, took place Sun., Feb. 5.

Lauren Estes