Nordhoff at Carnegie

"We're back, and what a trip it was. The whole tour was an experience we all will never forget - and the performances at Carnegie were outstanding," said Randy Harward, a chaperone, parent and communications director of MAESTRO.

"In the audience we had to keep reminding ourselves that these were our kids, on the Carnegie stage, filling this incredible hall with such beautiful music.

"It really did take your breath away. Bravo to all our music students for their long hard work getting to Carnegie, and for such a great performance.

"Experiencing New York was also a grand adventure. Picture this ... you decide to go to New York for a long weekend and while staying at the Grand Hyatt you go to two performances at Carnegie Hall (only you get to perform), a Broadway musical, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Station, Ground Zero, countless shops and markets on Park Avenue, 42nd Street, and Madison Avenue.

You take almost a dozen subway trips; you go ice-skating in Rockefeller Center, tour NBC, and go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Zoo. And you have dinner in Times Square and on a luxury yacht while cruising past the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline on a crystal clear night.

"Not bad for a long weekend ... of course, not much sleep was involved," Harward concluded.
Bill Wagner, the NHS music director, said, "What an awesome experience! Being on stage at Carnegie Hall is a memory that these students will never forget.

"For many months our young Nordhoff High School musicians diligently prepared difficult music, and their hard work and focus made for outstanding performances by both the Symphonic Band and Gold 'n Blue Chorale.

Wagner wishes to thank the 16 chaperones who "sweated the small stuff" to make sure that this tour ran smoothly and took the time to make certain all the students had a rewarding experience.

"And, finally, thanks to everyone - family, friends and community members - who contributed to help meet our fund-raising goals. Ojai should not only be proud to have sent these 133 students to Carnegie Hall, but thrilled that our students performed with such expertise and beauty on the Carnegie Hall stage.
Tracy Buckingham, a trip chaperone, parent, and president of MAESTRO, said, "What a thrill to watch our students perform in the magnificent Carnegie Hall!

Having dozens of friends and family from the Ojai Valley travel to New York City to support us was truly meaningful. It's been an honor watching the community get behind all our efforts to support these talented young adults.

"On behalf of the MAESTRO board, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this opportunity."

Laura and Lindsey Lochner, Nordhoff High School music students, said it was "an experience of a lifetime! The whole trip we had to keep reminding ourselves that this was really happening. New York was truly amazing!

"Unforgettable moments include: being on the stage and later in the audience at Carnegie, the Broadway show, Central Park Zoo, Times Square, shopping on 5th Avenue, and laughing with our friends after only a few hours of sleep!

"It really made us appreciate the whole music department and community efforts ... without so many dedicated and caring adults this would not have been possible. Few trips will ever surpass this one! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone!"

- compiled from various accounts of trip participants.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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