Niceville’s Andrew Roberts earns national music honors, plays Carnegie Hall

NICEVILLE, Fla. — A Niceville High School student has earned national recognition for his musical achievements, performing at Carnegie Hall for a second time and advancing to the finals of a prestigious music competition, according to the Honors Performance Series by WorldStrides and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

Andrew Roberts, a senior at Niceville High School, was selected as first chair trombone for the 2025 Honors Performance Series International High School Honor Band. He performed at Carnegie Hall in February, marking his second time in the elite ensemble, having previously played there in 2023.

The Honors Performance Series features top student musicians from around the world who are selected through a competitive audition process. This year’s ensemble included performers from 37 states and seven countries. The selected students traveled to New York City to work with renowned conductors before the final performance at Carnegie Hall.

Roberts has also been named a national finalist in the 2025 MTNA National Senior Brass Competition. He is one of five finalists who will compete at the MTNA National Finals in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in March. The winner will receive a cash prize and perform at the MTNA National Convention. MTNA, a nonprofit organization founded in 1876, supports music education and professional development for music teachers across the country.

Roberts has studied trombone for eight years under Dr. Laurie Penpraze and previously with Tim VanDam. He has also been mentored by Ruckel Middle School Band Director Teri Bruse and Niceville High School Band directors Dan Wooten, Matt Tenore, and Morgan VanVliet.

Beyond his national recognitions, Roberts is the first chair trombone in the Okaloosa All-County Honor Band, the Niceville High School Wind Symphony, and the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. He also serves as trombone section leader for the Niceville High School Eagle Pride Marching Band and lead trombone for the NHS Big Band. His accomplishments include selections for the Florida All-State Band and the Sousa National High School Honor Band.

In addition to his musical success, Roberts is a varsity tennis player at Niceville High School, where he serves as a team captain. He has won district and regional titles and competed at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championships. He is also involved in student leadership and academic organizations, serving as band president and participating in the National Honor Society.

Roberts has been accepted to Brigham Young University, where he plans to study trombone performance and engineering.

“It was a great honor to perform in Carnegie Hall two years ago with my brother, Tommy, who was first chair trumpet,” said Roberts.

“Getting this chance a second time, and being older now, I know this is a great opportunity that I appreciate again but in a different way.”

Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series, praised Roberts’ achievement.

“We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world.”

The Honors Performance Series, presented by WorldStrides, provides top young musicians the opportunity to study with master conductors and perform in renowned venues.