Students in Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School’s Performing Arts program — including the BHL Orchestra and Band — along with a handful of Clarke Central High School orchestra students recently returned from an incredible educational trip to New York City, where they performed on the historic stage of Carnegie Hall.

The trip offered students immersive opportunities for cultural learning, including visits to the Museum of Modern Art, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, as well as attending a performance of “Hamilton” on Broadway.

Most importantly, students delivered an outstanding performance at Carnegie Hall — under the direction of BHL String Programs Director Matthew Rubenstein, BHL Director of Bands Amanda Irby, and Clarke Central String Programs Director Dr. Eunice Kang — as part of the prestigious WorldStrides Honors Performance Series.

Students and families described the experience as truly transformative. As 8th-grade violinist Allison Cortez proudly shared, “We are middle schoolers who performed at Carnegie Hall! It was the best opportunity ever, and I am forever grateful to have had the chance to do this.”

Parents who went on the trip echoed the impact. One reflected that watching her child on the Carnegie Hall stage was “a moment I will never forget… a testament to what happens when a school, a family, and a community believe in their students.” Another shared that the trip “extended far beyond the classroom,” helping students build confidence, independence, and a deeper appreciation for history, culture, and the arts.

This opportunity was made possible by the generous support of many community partners and stakeholders, including James Striepe, Mark Jennings, Athens Construction, First Christian Church, the Athens Area Community Foundation, Nakanishi Manufacturing, AthFest Educates, the Classic Center Cultural Foundation, Burton & Burton, La Parrilla, the BHL Local School Governance Team, BHL principal Dr. Annie Turman and the school administration, and the Clarke County Board of Education.

The success of this trip — and the opportunity for the students to have a world-class cultural experience — was also made possible through the dedication of CCSD’s educators and the unwavering support of families.

“As I shared with our community, music is my calling and my ministry," said Mr. Rubenstein. "I am deeply grateful to the students, families, colleagues, and community partners whose belief in the power of music education made this transformative opportunity possible."

Read more testimonies from students, educators, and families below, and enjoy photos from the trip at this link and videos at this link!