Brother Martin High School is pleased to announce that Crusader Bandsman, Caleb Patterson '26, has been selected to play in the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra (GNOYO) at Carnegie Hall in New York City. We would like to congratulate Caleb for this prestigious honor as he represents Brother Martin in New York later this June.
Official Press Release
New Orleans, LA - In a special recognition for the city of New Orleans, more than 60 talented student musicians from the Greater New Orleans region will travel this summer to New York City to perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages - Carnegie Hall - the Stern Auditorium/Perelmen Stage. This performance is set for Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. The concert marks the 30th anniversary of the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras (GNOYO) and is a remarkable achievement for these students, who have worked tirelessly under the guidance of GNOYO Music Director Dr. Jean Montès. Their performance at Carnegie Hall represents the culmination of years of dedicated study and is a testament to the vibrant, world-class music education culture of New Orleans. “We are bringing New Orleans to the world through this educational, life-changing tour,” said Montès. “New Orleanians should take pride in the achievements of these young musicians, encourage them and support their achievement. They will be our ambassadors and represent what New Orleans aims to reflect in every young person in the city - sound minds, sound values, sound lives!”
The students, ranging from middle school to early college age, were selected through a competitive audition process, and many have participated in regional and state music competitions in addition to regularly performing as a part of GNOYO’s orchestras. They will be showcasing a diverse repertoire that includes a world premier by New Orleans composer Michael Rihner of NOCCA.
“Touring has become a traditional part of the GNOYO experience and this year’s concert is especially timely. It celebrates our 30th anniversary and recognizes the milestone of 20 years since Hurricane Katrina,” said Montès. “We are committed to the transformative power of music and this once-in-a-lifetime experience will continue to inspire and shape these young musicians for years to come.” Board Co-chairs Rameisha Johnson and Mary Robin Perkins added, “This past season featured performances at Loyola University, the St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, Mandeville High School, French Quarter Fest and Lafreniere Park. More than 200 student musicians from the Greater New Orleans region participated in North Shore and South Shore Sinfonia, Philharmonia and Symphony Orchestras which shows how GNOYO fosters a love of music in the hearts and minds of our community’s young musicians. We are excited to increase our reach on all levels - to include new students and new audiences.”
Locals interested in seeing GNOYO’s musicians perform live prior to the tour are encouraged to attend their upcoming pre-tour performances on June 21st (location to be determined); June 22nd 6:30pm Roussel Hall, Loyola University, New Orleans & June
25th (location to be determined). To purchase tickets for upcoming GNOYO concerts, learn more about the 30th Anniversary Summer Concert Tour, or make a donation, visit GNOYO.org.
About Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras
The award-winning Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras (GNOYO) was founded in 1994 by a group of parents, interested Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, and local music teachers to provide school-age musicians from diverse backgrounds in the Greater New Orleans region an opportunity to participate in a high-quality, full orchestra program. In addition to giving regular performances throughout the year, GNOYO has performed at Carnegie Hall, a five-city tour in France, and in numerous collaborations with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Orleans Ballet Association. We believe in the transformative power of music to foster sound minds, sound bodies, and sound lives.
