Practice Makes Perfect!

My name is Diana, I am a sophomore at James F. Byrnes High School, located in Duncan, SC. I have been selected for the 2019 High School Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House. I will perform in August 2019 with the High School Honors Orchestra under the direction of renowned conductor Kirt Mosier. Participation in one of the two Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

Earlier this year, I have auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted to represent the finest high school performers internationally 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 my application and audition recording. I will join other performers from 46 United States, Guam, several provinces of Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Qatar, and South Korea for a special performance at world-famous Sydney Opera House, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

According to Nancy Richardson, Program Director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 300 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Sydney Opera House is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget”.

I have studied music for 6 years. I am a member of the top group of Carolina Youth Symphony (Symphony Orchestra level). I will perform in April 2019 at the Carnegie Hall in New York. In addition, I was selected to participate in the SC Region Orchestra for 4 consecutive years, two of which as principal chair. I was also selected to participate in the All-State Orchestra in 2018.

I am proud and humble to represent the school and the State of South Carolina at this performance and I am sure this will be a memorable experience in my life.

Finalists will come together in Sydney for six days in the end of July-early August. I will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other Finalists, and get a taste of Sydney. The Honors Performance will take place Sunday, August 4, and is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased through the Sydney Opera House box office beginning 60 days prior to the concert.
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual high school 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 World Strides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.

The cost of the program is 2,549 USD. In addition, the cost of the flights, equipment rental meals and incidentals will come into consideration (estimated 2,500 USD).

I need your help as I am embarking on a fundraiser to cover partially the cost of this trip; any donation will bring me closer to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I kindly ask you to please share this with all your friends and relatives and ask them to spread the word.

Thank You.
Diana Ilie