AFHS Orchestra performs on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial

By: Brynn Carnesecca

During the week of April 11, the American Fork High School Orchestra had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., and perform two large concerts. The performances were a smashing success, with over 80 people on the trip. 

Shauna Smith, director of the AFHS Orchestra for over 27 years, has brought students to the nation’s capital in years past but never had the unique chance to perform at the Lincoln Memorial. As part of an annual tour, the 61 students flew to Washington and traveled around the city. Working with the Infinity Tour Company, Smith and her assistant director, Nancy Auga, attempted to get a permit to play at the Lincoln Memorial. The orchestra needed permission from the National Parks Service to perform, but with no permit, the group continued to tour the sights and hoped for a miracle.

The orchestra members, chaperones and directors began their tour by visiting and holding a formal concert at Southern Virginia University. They also saw Thomas Jefferson’s home in Monticello and the Natural Bridge Caverns, attended a Yo-Yo Ma concert, and visited the harrowing 9/11 memorial. The orchestra’s assistant director was scheduled for 9/11 flight 93, destined to strike Washington, D.C. 

“I think it was really poignant for them to see this,” Smith shared. “It became a lot more real and personal.” 

The orchestra got the miracle they needed at 2 a.m. on the morning of the scheduled Lincoln Memorial performance. Their permit had finally come. The large crew packed into buses and arrived on site to find another permit-holding performance group intending to use the space. After a brief discussion, the orchestra finally negotiated to perform on the steps for thousands of spectators. 

“The minute that we set up and started playing, there were phones everywhere,” said Smith.  

Although the wind blew their sheet music around, superhero chaperones gathered it, and students kept it in place with their feet. 

“They never stopped playing, even when they lost music,” said Smith. “They knew exactly what they were doing, and I was really proud of them. They were so prepared.”  

The orchestra performed traditional Americana songs, including “America the Beautiful,” “Johnny Comes Marching Home” and “Arlington Sketches.”

The audience was touched and impressed by the performance. 

“After we performed at the Lincoln Memorial, I met a lady from Spain who had come to the United States to see the landmarks,” Smith explained. “She walked up to me and told me how proud she was of these kids and how wonderful they sounded. She said, ‘Thanks for making my stay a really enjoyable one.’” Another man who was a tour operator for many years commented that the orchestra was one of the best he had ever heard. 

Ultimately, Smith and Auga hope the students were inspired by the experience and able to learn about music and the country. 

“I want the kids to understand that there is more to music than just playing their instrument,” Smith expressed. “Music is a way of expression and being bigger than just themselves. Whether or not they continue to play as adults, they will appreciate what it takes to create everything.” Smith hopes to continue to stay at AFHS for years to come. “I love the kids, and I love the music; that’s why I’m still here.” 

AFHS Orchestra hopes to have such incredible opportunities in the future.