SHERBURNE – There's an old adage that says practice makes perfect.

While perfection might still be a ways off, practice is certainly paying off for Sherburne-Earlville eighth grade student Eva Westbrook.

Come June, Westbrook – alongside approximately 130 middle school students from the United States, Canada and select international schools – will pack up her alto sax and make the trip to New York City to play on stage at Carnegie Hall as part of the 2014 Middle School Honors Instrumental Ensemble.

Each year, the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall hand-picks talented students from all over the country to perform in the spotlight under the direction of nationally and internationally renowned conductors. The experience provides students an opportunity to showcase their talents, play in front of representatives from collegiate and professional music programs, and explore the opportunities they have in the long music career ahead of them.

“We just heard of Eva's acceptance this month,” said Sherburne-Earlville band director Jeffrey Manwaring. “It's quite an privilege. I think she's really going to benefit from studying music and playing with some high performing music students.”

Playing at Carnegie Hall is something millions of musicians aspire to do, added Manwaring. To reach such a goal by eighth grade is nothing short of an honor.

“I've always had music in my life,” said Westbrook, adding that her older sister had played saxophone and her mother encouraged participation in various music programs. “It's just something I like to do. It's exciting to know I’ll be able to play with experienced performers who love to play as much as I do.”

To be accepted into the Honors Performance Series, students must submit an audition recording early in the year. The series has accepted thousands of high school students over the years, but this marks the first time middle school students have been afforded the same opportunity. Manwaring said he didn't hesitate to have some of his younger students try for it.