Dunbar High School student performs at Carnegie Hall

A student from Dunbar High School in Fort Myers has made their way to the big stage, performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City over the weekend.

Aiden Persaud took the opportunity to play his violin on one of the grandest stages known to musicians.

“I didn’t like realize how important Carnegie Hall was. But when I walked in, I was really shocked… like, my jaw dropped. Because it’s so big. It’s like, this stage is huge. And I was just so surprised that I was playing there,” Aiden said.

Getting to Carnegie Hall wasn’t easy, especially in the midst of a pandemic.

“It was really exciting being in New York City because as a musician, that’s like the best place to be to play music, especially in Carnegie Hall.”

Once on stage, Aiden met and played music with other talented high schoolers.

“We all put in the most effort we could,” Aiden said. “And we worked really hard. But in the end, we all had fun together.”

Talent can take you far. For Aiden, it allowed him to explore the big apple.

“We got to like travel the city go to different places, we went to the rock, Rockefeller Center, we went to the Statue of Liberty, and we also went on a party boat tour. So it was really fun.”

Aiden said he realizes the importance of dedication and perseverance to achieve your goals and has this message for anyone setting their sights high.

“It’s possible for you to do it, but all you have to do is just work hard. Be yourself and don’t let anybody tell you different you can do it as long as you put your heart and mind to it,” said Aiden.

Hard work does pay off. Aiden even met internationally renowned composer and conductor Mirt Mosier, the composer of a song Aiden played during the honors concert at Carnegie Hall.