‘Pretty surreal’: Mahomet student performs at Carnegie Hall

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — One Champaign County high-schooler is relishing in the performance of a lifetime in New York City.

On Saturday night, Isaac Hanson from Mahomet-Seymour High School was one of two alto saxophonists to perform in a 22-member jazz ensemble at Carnegie Hall. The National Youth Orchestra, or NYO, selects the top high school-aged students in the whole country.

Hanson said being on this type of platform was a dream come true.

“It’s pretty incredible. I remember that this has been a goal of mine for many years now, and to be a part of it is pretty surreal. Pretty amazing.”

It’s not the first time Hanson has received national recognition for his saxophone-playing skills. In December last year, he was one of four Illinois students to win a YoungArts Award in Jazz.

Hanson’s dream is to be a full-time musician. The band is now headed to South Africa for a three-city, eight-concert tour.

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