Curtis Viola Player Describes Unforgettable Trip To New York

Editor's Note: To date, University Place Patch's "Diary Of A Viking" column has allowed Curtis' athletes to share their stories. This week, we bring you Caitlyn Fukai, a renowned viola player who earned the honor of playing with a group of select musicians last month at Carnegie Hall. Here's her story, in her own words:

In February, a small group of local high school musicians and myself left for New York City, .

After months of preparation, we were finally there and more excited than ever.

The morning after arriving, I stood surrounded by the other members of the orchestra at the back of the rehearsal room. We were anxiously waiting to see where we would be sitting in our various sections and were growing more nervous by the second.

Finally, the rehearsal assistant began to call names. The basses and cellos were all seated, and it was time for the violas. I couldn’t believe when my name was called for second chair. I was expecting to be sitting in the last row; of course, everyone in the orchestra was equally important to the overall sound and caliber of the group.

While in the city, we had the opportunity to see a Broadway show. I chose to watch The Lion King, and was blown away by the quality of the musical. The costumes, music, props, everything, was simply perfect. Other participants saw either Mama Mia or Wicked, and from what I heard they too were just as astounding. I strongly encourage anybody, when given the chance, to see any Broadway production, they are more than one could ever expect.

After hours of exhausting rehearsals, the time to perform in Carnegie Hall had arrived. Walking onto that stage I could not comprehend that this was where I was, it was unreal. Thinking about how many great musicians had sat in that exact spot in the past was overwhelming.

Of course, the acoustics in the hall were the best, and the orchestra sounded like a professional group of mature adults. I will never forget the excitement I felt as we played our numerous pieces. The feeling was one of a kind.

We had a party in the Empire State Building, toured Ground Zero and Rockefeller Plaza. The hotel itself is two blocks from the famous Times Square. When reflecting on the trip, I can only think of how overwhelming and breathtaking everything was.

My journey through New York will be a memory I cherish forever.