ALBERTVILLE – A 17-year-old Albertville High School student is going to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall as part of a prestigious music program reserved for the highest-rated young performers from across the world. 

Alec Abney, a member of the Aggie Band and the AHS Wind Ensemble, will join performers from across the United States for a special performance at the world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of music achievement. As a participant in the High School Honors Performance Series, Alec will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors and work with other performers prior to the Feb. 5, 2023, performance where he will play the french horn with the Honors Symphonic Band. 

“This is a surreal moment for me,” said Abney, who hopes to perform as a career in the future. “I’m thrilled to have been selected to perform on such a special stage. It’s the dream of a lifetime for any performer. It’s going to allow me to get my foot in the door and give me opportunities to advance my career in performance.”

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. 

Alec auditioned for the series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Almost 10,000 nominations were turned in this year to the board. Acceptance into the elite group is a direct result of talent, dedication and achievement demonstrated in their application and audition. Alec has studied music for six years and has served as section leader since his sophomore year. He started playing the french horn in eighth grade, after starting the trumpet in seventh grade.  

“I’m really proud of Alec. He’s earned this opportunity for himself, and I’m excited for him to have this experience,” said Albertville High School Director of Bands Dr. Taylor Cash, who has worked with Alec since middle school. “It’s special to see a student who comes in with a good work ethic and develops on their own and works hard through it and they are finally able to realize their full potential and earn these opportunities for themselves.”