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Satellite Beach, FL — The Satellite High School Wind Symphony has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in April 2026, marking a prestigious milestone for one of Brevard County’s most accomplished student music programs.
The trip will take the ensemble from Orlando’s Amtrak station to Penn Station in Manhattan, where they will spend three nights as part of this once-in-a-lifetime performance experience. The total cost of the trip exceeds $115,000, and the school is seeking community support to help make it possible for every student to attend.
The Satellite Wind Symphony is a nationally recognized performance group known for its advanced repertoire and commitment to musical excellence. The ensemble regularly earns top honors at district and state Music Performance Assessments (MPA) and is praised for preparing students for collegiate-level music studies.
Under the direction of Joseph Leites, M.M., the Wind Symphony has performed throughout Florida, including recent invitations to the University of Florida in 2024 and the University of North Florida in 2025. Many of its students are also selected for elite ensembles such as the Florida All-State Bands, Brevard All-County Bands, and other regional honor groups.
The ensemble has also represented Brevard County at Music for All-UCF Celebrates the Arts, a festival highlighting student achievement and musical collaboration from across the Southeast.
To help offset the cost of the trip, the band is accepting donations through WorldStrides, the educational travel organization coordinating the event. Corporate sponsors and individuals can make payments directly toward the group’s travel costs using the following link:
🔗 https://olr.worldstrides.net/scripts/cgjip.exe/registeronline/paymentportallogin.htm
Those wishing to make a direct contribution can also donate through the Satellite Instrumental Music Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the band program. For details, contact Sarah Scaglione at treasurer@satellitemusic.org.
Director Joseph Leites said the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall is more than a concert—it’s a life-changing educational experience for his students.
“Performing on one of the world’s most iconic stages represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication,” Leites said. “For many of these students, it’s the chance of a lifetime and a moment they’ll carry with them forever.”
Community members and local businesses interested in sponsoring the trip can visit the Satellite Bands Calendar or contact the program directly at (321) 779-2000 ext. 6619 for more information.
