In this Capital Region Close Up, Karen Tararache introduces us to a talented, young musician, set to perform halfway around the world.
MALTA, N. Y. -- To say 18-year-old Taylor Abbitt really likes the bass is an understatement
"Jazz does get me grooving quite a bit," Abbitt said.
His passion for playing the instrument began early on in the fourth grade.
"I talked to my mom about it and she said if it could fit in her car then I could get it and it fit in her car."
"As a kid he was enthusiastic and I could tell he really liked doing it and I could tell he had some real talent," said Abbitt's bass teacher Luke Baker.
His hard work paid off this past spring.
After a rigorous application process, he was accepted into Carnegie Halls National Youth Orchestra.
"Some days I put in eight hours of playing. It kind of takes a toll on my body because things start getting sore like my arms and my fingers," said Abbitt.
But the pain is nothing compared to the pay-off.
Taylor and 109 other musicians will head to SUNY Purchase at the end of June for rehearsals.
The summer program includes a performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and then in the middle of July, the group will embark on a seven-city concert tour of China.
"Whether he was my student or not I would be excited for him," Baker said.
"I just keep thinking of what I want and it just drives me and the competition also drives me to succeed," Abbitt said.
To learn more about The National Youth Orchestra, click here.