Abigail (Abby) Varnadoe, a current senior at Jones County High School, was selected for the High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York. Abby performed Bb Clarinet in February with the Honors Symphonic Band. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest- rated young performers from across the world.
Abby auditioned for the Honors Performance Series in July 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 her application and audition recording.
Abby has studied music for seven years and is a member of the Jones County Marching Greyhounds as Wind Section Leader and also first-chair in the Symphonic Band.
She studies under Dr.
Monty Cole, Chair of Instrumental Studies at Mercer University in Macon, GA. Abby has recently received the Marc Whitten Memorial Scholarship. In the spring of 2022, she received the John Phillip Sousa Award, and in the spring of 2021, she received the Leonard Bernstein Award. She has also been accepted into the Janfest program at the University of Georgia as well as District and All-State bands throughout her time in high school. In response to her selection, Abby said, “I am so excited for this opportunity to meet amazing musicians and conductors from around the world. I have never been able to perform such incredible music on such a large scale before and I can’t wait. It is going to be a truly life-changing experience!”
Abby joined performers from 48 United States, Bermuda, Canada, China, and South Korea for a special performance at the world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement. The finalists came together in New York City where they had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, worked with other performers and experienced the excitement of New York. “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.
