Hanson performs with the National Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute
From the moment he first touched an instrument, Isaac Hanson’s path to musical greatness seemed inevitable. This talented alto saxophonist from Mahomet-Seymour High School has already accumulated a series of prestigious accolades that many musicians only dream of achieving in a lifetime. This weekend, he added performing with the National Youth Orchestra to his resume.
A Prestigious Achievement at Carnegie Hall
Isaac’s latest accomplishment is perhaps his most notable yet. Selected to perform with the National Youth Orchestra Jazz (NYO Jazz), Isaac was one of two alto saxophonists in a 22-member ensemble, gracing the stage at the iconic Carnegie Hall on July 20. This honor followed an intense audition process that highlights Isaac’s exceptional skill and dedication. NYO Jazz, a program of the Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute, is renowned for its rigorous selection criteria, choosing only the top high school jazz musicians in the country.
The ensemble’s journey doesn’t end at Carnegie Hall. They group now has its sights set on an eight-concert tour across three cities in South Africa.
Accolades and Recognition
In addition to his recent accomplishments, Isaac Hanson won first place in the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Jazz high school solo competition. He was also selected for the prestigious Vail Jazz Workshops held in Vail, CO. This August, Isaac will join 11 other students his age for a week of jazz intensives taught by highly accomplished, award-winning jazz musicians, culminating in performances as part of the Vail Jazz Festival. The selection process for the Vail Jazz Workshops was highly competitive, involving auditions and nominations by professional musicians Isaac has worked with, including Grammy-winning jazz drummer Bryan Carter, who was Isaac’s clinician at the 2024 ILMEA All-State Jazz Honors Combo in Peoria. Notably, Isaac was chosen as the jazz alto player for the eight-member ILMEA All-State Jazz Honors Combo—recognized as the top high school combo group in Illinois—during his sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school.
A Journey Rooted in Dedication
Isaac’s journey in music began at the age of two. Though initially interested in the tuba, he eventually found his true calling with the saxophone in fifth grade. Under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Anderson and Professor Chip McNeill at the University of Illinois, Isaac has honed his classical and jazz saxophone skills, respectively. His dedication has seen him perform at prestigious venues like The Virginia Theater, State Farm Center, and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
YoungArts and Other Honors
In addition to his recent achievements, Isaac was named a 2024 YoungArts award winner in Jazz, joining a select group of nearly 700 of the nation’s most talented young artists. This recognition brings with it not only a monetary award but also access to exclusive opportunities for creative and professional development.
Isaac’s talent has been consistently recognized throughout his high school career. He has been the leading jazz alto player in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Jazz Honors Combo for three consecutive years and has earned numerous other accolades, including the Woody Herman Award for the best player in his jazz band during eighth grade.
Looking Ahead
With influences ranging from Miles Davis and John Coltrane to Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder, Isaac’s ultimate goal is to become a professional musician. His extensive experience, natural talent, and unwavering dedication suggest that he is well on his way to achieving this dream.
