READSBORO- Carnegie Hall is a long way from Readsboro. But a local musician is packing her bags for the Big Apple and she will be playing in a special performance this summer at the world renowned music venue. Nobody knows for sure if she is the first person from the Deerfield Valley to ever play at Carnegie Hall. But Stephanie LeQuier, of Readsboro, said she is grateful for the recognition and she will perform in two local concerts to thank the community and to raise money for her trip. “It’s a huge thing. I didn’t think I would be able to make it in,” said LeQuier. “It was a real surprise and I’m excited to go.”

LeQuier is a junior at Brattleboro Union High School and plays first flute in the BUHS Marching Band. She began lessons at age 10 and was taught by Robin Matathias, of Wilmington. LeQuier is an accomplished musician. In the last seven years, she been selected to two middle school district festivals, three district high school festivals, three all-state music festivals, the Metropolitan Flute Orchestra, a Boston, MA summer music program, and marched in the 2009 inaugural parade in Washington, DC.

LeQuier was selected to perform at the American High School Honors Performance Series in New York City. The American High School Honors Performance Series is a five-day seminar showcasing talented high school musicians from the United States and Canada. The program concludes with a special concert at historic Carnegie Hall. The seminar takes place June 23 to 27 and the concert is on Saturday, June 26.

Musicians are selected through an individual nomination and selection process. Accomplished students are brought together in New York City to play in the choir and instrumental ensembles, comprising a band and an orchestra. Approximately 200 students are chosen for the American High School Honors Performance Series. LeQuier was selected to play second and third flute in the band ensemble. Matathias said the band ensemble is lucky to have a flute player like LeQuier. “She’s an exceptional student,” said Matathias. “I’ve been working with her since she was in fifth grade. I’ve watched her grow and mature over the years. She works hard and it shows.”

Steven Rice, the Brattleboro Union High School Band director, nominated LeQuier for the American High School Honors Performance Series.

“I nominated her because she has an amazing commitment to playing flute and playing music in general,” said Rice. “She has credentials that make her stand out and she’s done well in all state auditions. I knew she’d do well for an audition like (the American High School Performance Series) and make the most of it.”

The Honors Band will rehearse for four days, visit the Juilliard School of Music, tour New York City, and attend a Broadway play. The performers also will receive special recognition on the CBS “Early Show.” H. Robert Reynolds, the principal conductor at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, is the conductor of the Honors Band. “I’m looking forward to playing with an elite band that’s one of the best in the country,” said LeQuier. “I just got the music last week and it looks like it will be lots of fun.”

LeQuier will perform two recitals, one on Sunday, April 25 at Saint Joachim’s Church in Readsboro and the second on Saturday, May 15 at the Brattleboro Music Center. She will be accompanied by Vladimir Odonky, of the Brattleboro Music Center, on piano and Matathias will join her in a duet.

LeQuier will play music by Cecile Chaminade, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Gabriel Faure. The recitals begin at 2 pm and they are free to the public.

A bake sale will be held by Saint Joachim’s Church and a raffle will be held at both recitals. Money raised will offset the costs for participating in the American High School Honors Series. Donations will also be accepted.