Zachary High senior Brandi Ackoury has been playing the clarinet since fifth grade. The skillful, soft-spoken student practices around 20 - 25 hours a week, and at just 17 years old, her dedication is already paying off.

This summer Ackoury took part in the American High School Honors Performance Series, a program which showcases talented high school performers. Ackoury spent five days, June 23 - 27, in New York City rehearsing, sightseeing and befriending other high school muscians.

At the end of the week, the honors band of around 80 musicians performed at Carnegie Hall in front of a packed house including friends, family and representatives from numerous professional and collegiate music programs.

"It was just amazing," said Ackoury, noting what an honor it was to play at such a prestigious concert venue. "We had a dress rehearsal before we performed for the actual performance, and when everyone walked in, it was just breathtaking."

Zachary High band director Jason Venable nominated Ackoury for the program.

"She had a goal in mind, and she worked hard enough and achieved that goal, said Venable. "I'm proud that she had the drive to do that."

Ackoury sent in an audition CD and was chosen from applicants throughout the United States and Canada.

"I'm just glad to see our band members pursuing higher opportunities to perform," added Venable.

This was Ackoury's first trip to New York City. In addition to the clarinet, she plays the piano and is starting to learn guitar. Ackoury plans to major in music education at either LSU or Belmont University in Nashville. She was recently accepted into the Louisiana Youth Orchestra.