The Sounds From Carnegie

Written on 01/17/2025
Michael DeCicco '27

Freshman Uriel Lee takes the stage



Uriel Lee, '28, was given an opportunity to play alongside the renowned New York Pops at the legendary Carnegie Hall. (Photo from SILive)

 


Monsignor Farrell freshman received opportunity to play on major musical stage

Carnegie Hall is a world-famous concert venue in Manhattan known for its brilliant musical performances. It's a place that most musicians aspire to get to, but one Farrell student, has an edge on them already.

Uriel Lee, '28, had the honor and opportunity to perform at the venue last spring. Lee was one of over 60 students -- one of two from Staten Island -- who played alongside the New York Pops, known as the largest orchestra in America.


"I never expected myself to be in this kind of position...Going on stage was just probably a once in a lifetime moment."

- Uriel Lee, '28


Lee's musical ventures began when he started playing the trombone during the sixth grade.

"My inspiration to start playing music was probably just me wanting to do as much things as possible" Lee said. "Seeing musicians perform was always cool to watch so I always wanted to be like that."

Lee's performance all stemmed from an email he received from the New York Pops asking him to audition. After sending Lee the music, he spent two months practicing this music.

“I just told myself not to get too nervous, not to worry about messing up” Lee said, reflecting on his audition preparations.

After auditioning in Manhattan, Lee landed the part and was set to play at the 41st Birthday Gala, in celebration of Clive Davis, a Grammy-winning American record producer.



Opened in April 1891, Carnegie Hall, located on Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, is known as one of the most prominent locations for music worldwide. (Photo courtesy of the Carnegie Hall website)

 


Of course, it's one thing to handle the preparations for such an opportunity. But for Lee, reality set in when he actually stepped on the stage for the first time.

"It was a pretty surreal moment," Lee said. It was just...I never expected myself to be in this kind of position. It was pretty crazy to think about. Going on stage was just probably a once in a lifetime moment."

While this was a moment that was easily high-pressure and required a lot of practice and focus, Lee emphasized the importance of fun even during these times. Having fun and enjoying the opportunities that come, Lee says, helps to make times like these easier.

"Just having fun when playing, not just devoting myself to just practice, but to have fun while practicing, because I think that's one of the most important things you should do," Lee said.


"...to have fun while practicing...that's one of the most important things you should do."

- Uriel Lee, '28


Reflecting on his Carnegie Hall performance Lee stated, "It was a pretty cool experience to meet everybody and then play with other musicians. I was able to learn and maybe teach other people. And so we would all improve and just be better musicians in the end."

The Lion thanks Lee for his time and congratulates him on his performance at Carnegie Hall. 

 



The Lion is Monsignor Farrell's student digital newspaper. To read more articles from The Lion, click here.