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Niceville High School senior Andrew Roberts has performed at Carnegie Hall for the second time and has been named a national finalist in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Senior Brass Competition.
Roberts was selected as first chair trombone for the 2025 Honors Performance Series International High School Honor Band, performing at Carnegie Hall in February. This marks his second time participating in the prestigious event, having previously performed in 2023. He joined musicians from 37 states and seven countries to rehearse under world-renowned conductors and perform at the renowned concert hall.
“It was a great honor to perform in Carnegie Hall two years ago with my brother, Tommy, who was 1st Chair Trumpet. We sat next to each other and it was a once in a lifetime experience with my brother. Getting this chance a second time, and being older now, I know this is a great opportunity that I appreciate again but in a different way,” Roberts said. “I missed my brother, but I really enjoyed the process of learning with a new director and with new musicians in preparation for our Carnegie Hall concert.”
Roberts was selected through an audition process reviewed by the Honors Selection Board, which evaluates student musicians worldwide.
In addition to his Carnegie Hall achievement, Roberts is a national finalist in the 2025 MTNA Senior Brass Competition. He will compete in March at the MTNA National Convention in Minneapolis, where five finalists will perform live. The winner will receive a cash prize and perform in a national concert.
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Roberts has studied trombone for eight years, receiving instruction from several mentors, including Dr. Laurie Penpraze and Niceville High School band directors Dan Wooten, Matt Tenore, and Morgan VanVliet.
Beyond these honors, Roberts serves as first chair trombone for multiple ensembles, including the Okaloosa All-County Honor Band, the Niceville High School Wind Symphony, and the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. He is also trombone section leader for the NHS Eagle Pride Marching Band and lead trombone for the NHS Big Band. He has previously placed in multiple state and national music competitions.
Outside of music, Roberts is a varsity captain of the Niceville High School boys’ tennis team and has competed at the Florida High School Athletic Association State Championships. He is also involved in various extracurricular activities, serving as NHS Band President and participating in the National Honor Society. He is set to graduate summa cum laude in May 2025 and has been accepted to Brigham Young University, where he plans to study trombone performance and engineering.
The Honors Performance Series is presented by WorldStrides, an educational travel organization, and aims to bring together top student musicians from around the world for performances in renowned venues.
“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 processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world.”
