One local student is making it big time, as she'll have an opportunity to perform at one of the most prestigious music halls in the U.S.
Zoe Nocera, a 2020 Steubenville High School graduate, will be taking the stage at the Carnegie Hall in New York City this Saturday.
She is studying music education at Youngstown State University.
Nocera’s passion for the arts began years ago.
"Back in high school, I was a part of all three of the programs: orchestra, choir, and band. They helped me express myself and Mr. (Scott Woldokin) was my choir director, and he inspired me to go into music education," she said.
Woldokin witnessed Zoe's abilities first-hand.
"She was a very well-rounded fine arts student here," he said.
Yet, one attribute made Nocera stand out from others.
"She was a go-getter,” Woldokin said. “She never stopped. She was always moving, doing something. So, making that choice to be as active as possible and she did all of them very well, so that was one of her really outstanding traits."
The Youngstown State choral programs had an original performance at the hall scheduled in 2020, however COVID-19 pushed it back.
Finally, the group is being given the chance to take center-stage this week, something Nocera wasn't originally a part of until her professor asked her to join the group.
"Basically, they weren't able to do it who were originally supposed to be a part of the group for the 2020,” she said. “So, he reached out and asked a couple of students this year if they could fill in those spots."
And her response:
"I thought it was amazing,” she said. “It's such a big opportunity to go sing in Carnegie Hall, because a lot of great performers have come to perform in that hall. It shocked me at first, I couldn't believe that this is actually happening."
Six other choirs around the U.S. will be accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble on Saturday. The opportunity is unique.
"A lot of them go on college tours and various different things, so getting to Carnegie Hall is an awesome experience,” Woldokin said. “I've taken kids there to just view the building for our New York trips, but getting to see a student there would be really exciting."
Nocera leaves for New York on Wednesday and says she hopes this helps get her name out there as a performer.
She added her dream job is to become a high school choir and theatre program director.