Laura Futamura, a sophomore at High Technology High School in Lincroft, is headed to legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City.
She earned that trip when she was selected to attend the National Youth Orchestra 2 summer training program at Carnegie Hall after being named one of the nation’s outstanding teen musicians.
The annual three-week program in New York City, reserved for 79 exemplary musicians from throughout the United States, outlines a rigorous training program through hands-on training, performance and community collaboration, according to Carnegie Hall.
The members of this year’s National Youth Orchestra 2, who are between the ages of 14 and 17, have been nationally recognized as extraordinary musicians who not only embody a high level of artistry, but who also come from a variety of backgrounds, according to a press release from Carnegie Hall.
These musicians represent the future of American orchestral music. This accumulation of musicians come from communities that often have been seen as underserved and under-represented in the field of classical music, according to the press release.
Futamura, 16, is a resident of Middletown who plays the flute.
“The flute is the sparkle of the orchestra,” she said.
Futamura is the daughter of Michelle Futamura and Kenichi Futamura.
The flutist is currently enrolled in her third year of Pre-College at The Juilliard School, New York City, where she has strived to perfect her craft under the instruction of Carol Wincenc, an American flutist. Once a week, Futamura studies music theory and ear training at the conservatory. She also is actively involved in chamber and orchestra performances.
“My dad used to play the flute in high school and in college, so he always had his old flutes lying around. One day, I just decided to pick one up. At first, I couldn’t even produce any type of sound,” she said with a laugh. “But I wanted to figure it out and as I did, I began to love the instrument.”
Futumura was the winner of the 2018 National Young Arts Foundation in the Classical Music Division.
In 2016, Futumura traveled to Tuscany, Italy, where she took part in the Flauti al Castello Master Class – a course she said was a renowned workshop led by flute professor Leone Buyse and flutist Sergio Pallotelli.
In 2017, she was invited to attend the 10-day Galway Flute Festival in Weggis, Switzerland, after being awarded a full scholarship to study with Sir James Galway, who she mentioned is a prominent Irish flutist.
Futumura also was a finalist in the 2017 National Flute Association’s High School Soloist competition in Minneapolis. Once again, she is a finalist in this year’s upcoming showcase in Florida.
“Music is my love; but at the same time, I need to remain balanced. Music is a hard industry to get into, that is mainly why I go to High Tech High. Here, I can experiment with research and robotics. This is everything I love,” she said.
In addition to music, Futumura shares a passion for technology. She is on her high school’s varsity VEX robotics team and is the epitome of academic excellence, according to Principal Kevin Bals.
“Laura is a tremendous student and an all-around great kid,” Bals said.
Futumura said at this time, she is not certain of her college plans. She said she aspires to study music and technology.
Her three-week journey with Carnegie Hall will kick off in New York City, where she will participate in intensive training led by orchestral experts. Then, the program will continue in Miami, where members of the National Youth Orchestra 2 will perform with the New World Symphony and violinist Gil Shaham, conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto. The students will return to Manhattan for a final chamber orchestra performance, according to the press release.
“Music is something that is very abstract. Coming from a (technology) student, music is something that cannot be scientifically analyzed, at least to a certain extent. I think there is something more to music, rather than just the straight facts,” Laura said. “Music is the universal language of emotion; it is the language of feelings.”
Futumura said she is practicing as much as six hours a day in preparation for her hour-long solo at The Julliard School on April 21.