LCI Gold Symphonic Band still riding high after playing Carnegie Hall last month

By Lethbridge Herald on May 10, 2025.

LCI Photo by Melinda Lowry The LCI Gold Band performs at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

According to an old joke, a man goes to New York to attend a concert, but gets lost. He spots someone carrying a violin case and asks:  “Sir, can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?”  The musician smiles and says: “Practice, man, practice.” 

Some musicians practice their entire careers and never get to play Carnegie Hall. But on April 19, the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute Gold Symphonic Band got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the National Band and Festival Day there.

“This having been my last band trip was amazing,” said 17-year-old clarinet player Oliver Helm. “I really value the last four years in this program and to end it in Carnegie hall was amazing. Having worked so hard to go to Anaheim, Toronto and now this has been incredible. It didn’t hit me how big of an accomplishment it was until we played our last note of our last piece and the sound rang so clearly afterwards it felt so surreal. That’s when it hit me that all those long hours of rehearsal was worth it.”

Built by Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1891, Carnegie Hall is a historic concert hall in the heart of New York City; and has served as a premier venue for classical, jazz, and popular music performances. Performing at Carnegie Hall is a prestigious achievement, representing a pinnacle of musical accomplishment. 

The Gold Symphonic Band earned the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall following their exceptional achievements at the 2023 Heritage Festival in Anaheim, California. At the festival, the 55-member ensemble was recognized with the Adjudicator Award for attaining a performance score of 92 or higher; the Outstanding Band Award for achieving the highest instrumental ensemble score; and the Instrumental Sweepstakes Award for the highest combined score in partnership with the Gold Jazz Band. 

“These accolades led to an invitation to audition for a performance at Carnegie Hall. In the fall of 2024, the band submitted their audition recording and were honored with a formal invitation to perform in Carnegie Hall,” said LCI music teacher and band director Samuel Yamamoto. “The students dedicated themselves tirelessly to preparing for this landmark performance, beginning intensive work in January through numerous clinics, sectionals, and daily rehearsals.”

This past Monday, two weeks after their performance at Carnegie Hall, Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen presented Yamamoto and the band members with certificates from himself, Lethbridge’s MP and provincial MLAs for their achievement.

“Being such a new member of the band and already getting to experience what is to likely be the highlight of my musical career felt like a dream come true,” said 15-year-old trumpet player Silas Greaves. ‘It’s helped me grow to appreciate the fine arts much, much more than I had previously. The grandeur of this venue will be a memory I will cherish forever, and I am so very thankful to my band director, Samuel Yamamoto for providing the entire band with this experience as well as I am thankful to all the recognition from our wonderful Mayor, MLA’s and even our Premier.”

In addition to being the home of Carnegie Hall, New York City is a major hub for tourism and culture in the U.S. and globally. It attracts millions of visitors annually, driven by its iconic landmarks, diverse cultural scene, and numerous attractions. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and vibrant arts and entertainment scene contribute to its status as a cultural capital.

“Having never been outside of Canada, let alone Alberta, this trip is one I will always remember,” said 16-year-old flute and piccolo player Veronica Sanregret. “Getting to see a live show on Broadway to seeing the Statue of Liberty to performing in Carnegie Hall. I am very proud of everyone to have made it as far as performing on this grand stage and also very thankful for all the support we’ve gotten from many people. Fine arts will always have a place in my heart and I hope that there are others who can share in the wonders of music.”