How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall? Ask This Valley Stream Student

NEW YORK, NY — If the age-old adage asks how you get to Carnegie Hall, a Valley Stream South freshman just found out the answer.

Ninth grader Nicole Johnson made her debut at the iconic New York City concert venue in March, performing her rendition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BXV 1004” in the Weill Recital Hall. The performance was part of the New York Musician’s Center’s 2026 Legends in the Making Concert, which Valley Stream South officials said took place in front of a packed house in the concert hall.

“NYMC embraces a rich tapestry of genres, providing both aspiring and established musicians with world-class training, and performance opportunities,” the concert organizer said. “With its esteemed faculty, NYMC stands for musical excellence in the vibrant landscape of New York's arts scene.”

Valley Stream district officials said Nicole has been a violinist since she was seven years-old, and performs in the Chamber Orchestra at VSSHS. She’s also a National Junior Honor Society and Principal’s List member, serves as vice president of the class of 2029 and is a member of the JV cheer team.

As for her place in Carnegie Hall history, the performance at the Weill Concert Hall places Nicole in an elite class of musicians from around the world that have graced the concert hall stage.