COMING TO CARNEGIE: Mt. Vernon student performing with Indianapolis Youth Orchestra in NYC

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Mt. Vernon High School student Amelia Smith is performing with the Indiana Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall this summer. Along with the oboe, she also plays English horn and alto saxophone.

Tom Russo | Daily Reporter

HANCOCK COUNTY — Amelia Smith has played her instruments from the orchestra pit at Mt. Vernon High School’s auditorium to venues in Indianapolis, and soon she’ll be doing so at one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world.

She’s bringing her English horn and oboe to New York City later this month, where she and other fellow members of the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra will perform at Carnegie Hall. For the rising Mt. Vernon senior, the opportunity is a highlight in a connection to music that’s lasted much of her childhood.

Smith has been playing the oboe for almost six years and English horn for about three. She also plays the alto saxophone in her high school’s marching band.

Her introduction to playing musical instruments was in elementary school with the violin. While she doesn’t play it anymore, she credits the experience with giving her a solid foundation to build from.

Smith chose to pursue the alto saxophone in middle school, but was drawn to the oboe because of it’s unique appearance as well.

At Mt. Vernon, she participates in marching band, pep band, concert band and the pit orchestra for theatrical productions.

She enjoys the level of engagement performing in bands requires.

“You’re always involved,” she said. “You’re always playing. Even if you’re resting, you’re still engaged, counting the rests.”

During her busiest musical times, she estimates she plays every day for at least three hours, whether it’s Indianapolis Youth Orchestra practices, band class five days a week at school, or after-school practices for activities like marching band, concert band and pit orchestra.

“I sometimes turn my phone off and make it so I cannot open my apps so I can get myself to practice,” she continued, adding that’s especially the case during the Indiana State School Music Association’s competitive solo and ensemble season.

Her desire to practice is driven by the fulfillment she gets from performances.

“It’s worth it,” she said. “Even if it’s a small audience, just a little applause makes you feel better. And it’s just worth it to feel like your hard work is put out there and it pays off with all that practice.”

Smith has been in the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra since she was a freshman, and this is the first season she’s been in the organization’s Symphony Orchestra, reserved for the most advanced performers.

The orchestra will perform works by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Lee Holdridge and Johann Strauss II at Carnegie Hall on June 27.

It’ll be Smith’s first time visiting New York City, and Carnegie Hall will join a list of venues she has performed at including the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis and The Palladium in Carmel.

“Those are big, but this is even bigger, and I can’t wait for that,” she said. “After so long of playing, I feel like it’s time to take that next step, go to other places and play — see new places with my instruments, new environments.”

Smith is one of about 30 members of the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra Symphony Orchestra heading to New York, and she said they’ve been practicing together on Sundays for their performance.

She said she plans to remain involved in music after high school, but not professionally, adding she intends to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Jackie Nason, band director at Mt. Vernon High School, has taught Smith for three years. She described her student as dedicated and hardworking.

“This past year, Amelia had a few solos in our concert band music and handled them wonderfully,” Nason told the Daily Reporter in an email.

She’s excited for Smith and her upcoming opportunity with the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra.

“When I found out she would be performing with the IYO in Carnegie Hall this summer I was so happy for her!” Nason said. “She’s going to represent the band program and Mt. Vernon community well.”