The Fresno City College Wind Ensemble is going to Carnegie Hall!

The Fresno City College Wind Ensemble is going to Carnegie Hall!

Fifty-two students will go on a five-day trip to New York to be the showcase performance at the New York International Music Festival. Other musicians from all over the world will watch FCC students play at the prestigious performance hall. 

To assist students with funds, the wind ensemble is holding a fundraiser concert on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019. A donation of $20 is suggested for the benefit concert and can be purchased at the box office or online at the box office website. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is being held in the OAB Auditorium. 

Elisha Wells, the director of the FCC Wind Ensemble, hopes to bring in $5,000 from the concert and $50,000 overall by Feb.1.

"What this trip gives is not only a once in a lifetime chance to play in one of the best venues in the world, but it also gives my students a chance to believe in themselves and to continue to inspire others in music education," said Wells.

Third year member of the wind ensemble Travis Wohlstadter plays the bass trombone. "Some say I chose it, others say it chose me," he said about his instrument. 

Wohlstadter is looking forward to playing Carnegie Hall with the rest of his peers. "Carnegie Hall is basically that once in a lifetime opportunity," she said. "Everyone is working so hard. Elisha deserves to conduct at such a big venue."

At the concert, the ensemble will play Symphony No.5 by Julie Giroux which is also titled "Elements." The piece has three movements each titled "Sun in C", "Rain in Db" and "Wind in Eb." Each movement sounds like the element it represents, Wells says. 

The ensemble will also play "Vientos Y Tangos" by Michael Gandolfi, which Wells describes as a "really sassy tango piece." Students will play other pieces, but "Elements" and "Vientos Y Tangos" are the featured arrangements. 

Those wishing to make donations for the trip can do so online at Wind Ensemble to Carnegie