Annalisa Milia, a 12-year-old seventh grader at Merrick Avenue Middle School, has been selected to perform in the Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall this summer, placing her among the highest-rated young musicians from around the world.
Annalisa, a clarinetist with seven years of formal music training, will perform with the Honors Band in July following a competitive nomination and audition process reviewed by the Honors Selection Board.
“She was over the moon excited,” said her mother, Elizabeth Dogbe. “When I told her she got in, she thought I was lying. She kept saying, ‘Oh my God, oh my God.’”
Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to top student performers who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication and academic achievement. Nearly 10,000 nominations are processed each year.
“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series. “We have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Annalisa began studying piano in early elementary school before choosing the clarinet in fourth grade when students were asked to select band instruments.
“She didn’t really know anything about the clarinet — she just decided that was what she wanted to try,” Dogbe said. “But she took to it right away. Her teacher noticed how good she was and encouraged her to try for higher levels.”
She has since earned consistent “Outstanding” ratings in New York State School Music Association evaluations for both piano and clarinet and has participated in the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Band ensemble.
For the past two years, Annalisa has also been a member of Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts, where she currently performs in its Honor Band.
While attending Old Mill Road Elementary School, she played in concert band, jazz band and a woodwind ensemble. Her dedication earned her the Dr. Irene H. Lenhart Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music for Band, presented to one graduating student across the North Merrick Union Free School District.
In addition to music, Annalisa maintains a 98.4 academic average and plays on the Merrick Avenue Middle School girls volleyball team.
“I don’t even know how she balances everything,” Dogbe said. “She actually gets bored when she doesn’t have activities. She thrives on being busy.”
Annalisa was also recognized last year with the New York State Attorney General’s Triple “C” Award, which honors students for commitment, character and courage. She participates annually in community service efforts supporting veterans.
In response to her Carnegie Hall selection, Annalisa said, “This is so amazing. I can’t wait to play at Carnegie Hall. I’m so excited.”
The Honors Performance Series brings together student musicians from across the United States and abroad for a week of rehearsals, workshops with world-renowned conductors and a culminating public performance at the historic Manhattan venue.
For Dogbe, the opportunity carries special meaning.
“That’s the pinnacle of performance,” she said. “To see my daughter on that stage is going to be incredible.”
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished young performers on an international level and is presented by WorldStrides, an educational travel organization.
The public performance is scheduled for late July, with tickets available through the Carnegie Hall box office approximately 60 days in advance.
