HARLINGEN — As a parent, all Pamela Briones wants for her son Christian, 13, is the best life can give him.
She was ecstatic when he was selected for the 2017 Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.
Pamela is not only his mother but she is his choir teacher. Early on she recognized his talent for choir.
He will perform as a bass at Carnegie Hall in June 2017 with the Honors Junior Choir. Participation in one of the three Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest rated middle school performers from across North America and select schools internationally.
Christian auditioned this fall for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication and achievements demonstrated in his application and audition recording. He will join other performers from 43 states and several countries, including Canada, Australia and Taiwan.
“He has done more than I ever did at that age,” Pamela said. “I am so excited for him. When I got the email I cried.”
For his audition Christian sang “The Battle of Jericho” and “Winter Wonderland.”
The song selection for his audition was easy. “My voice was comfortable with those songs and that’s why I chose them,” he said.
Christian has studied music for about three years.
“I enjoy singing very much,” Christian said. “I like how it makes me feel.”
Christian has performed solos for concerts and earned a 1 rating on his solo and ensemble this past fall. He is a member of National Junior Honor Society, UIL Solo Acting, UIL One Act Play and tennis.
In response to Christian’s selection as a Junior Finalist, Christian said, “I’m very excited to have this opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall and I’m honored to represent my school, the city of Harlingen and the state of Texas.”
Junior Finalists will come together for five days in June in New York City to have the opportunity to learn from Greg Gilpin, work with other Junior Finalists and get a taste of New York City.
In the meantime, Christian is busy preparing for his performance. He also looks forward to the trip itself. Christian has never been to New York City.
“I am looking forward to seeing the city, Carnegie Hall and the buildings,” he said.
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