FAMU symphony students thrilled to make history at Carnegie Hall

On Sunday, the FAMU Wind Symphony became the first classical ensemble from a historically black college or university (HBCU) to play at Carnegie Hall. The group of about 60 student musicians performed for 40 minutes and played five selections that included John Williams’ “Star Wars Trilogy” and David Maslanka’s “Symphony No. 7, Mvt. III.”

“It’s overwhelming,” flute player Geralda Ambroise said in an interview with the New York Amsterdam News. “It’s one of the most overwhelming feelings I’ve ever felt. Just to know that I get to say that ‘I performed at Carnegie Hall’ on the same stage as people like Dizzy Gillespie and Leonard Bernstein.”

Trumpet player Asa Gayle, a native of St. Albans, Queens told the newspaper that he was excited to perform in his home city.

“To know where I came from musically before I came to Florida A&M University and to see myself excel to this point, it’s like something I never experienced before,” he said.

Shelby Chipman, FAMU director of symphonic bands, conducted the performance. FAMU President Elmira Mangum and FAMU alumnus Andrew Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee, also traveled to New York City to support the wind symphony.

Read the full coverage from the New York Amsterdam News here.