Eighth-grade violist Thomas (T.J.) Liblik is headed to Carnegie Hall.

The Orcas Christian School student was selected to be part of the 2018 Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall from June 20 to 24. T.J. will perform with the Middle School Honors Orchestra.

According to the Honors Selection Board, “Participation is limited to the highest-rated middle school performers from across North America and select schools internationally. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication and achievements” demonstrated in T.J.’s application and audition recording.

T.J. has studied music with Pamela Wright, Strings Director at the Orcas Island Public Schools, since he was age six, and is currently part of the Orcas Public School Middle School Strings program. T.J. played violin for 6 1/2 years, then began playing viola a year and a half ago. He also plays guitar, and is picking up the bass with Pamela’s instruction.

T.J.’s mom Debbie described the moment when she told him of his acceptance to the orchestra.

“When I walked into T.J.‘s school on my lunch break and showed him the email that said he was accepted he was speechless and had tears of joy. He feels so blessed to be able to have this opportunity!” she said.

Toomas (T.J.’s father) and Debbie will accompany T.J. on the trip to New York. They have launched a GoFundMe account to raise money for the estimated trip costs: www.gofundme.com/tj-is-performing-in-carnegie-hall. Thanks to many generous donations, including a $1,900 scholarship from the Music Advocacy Group, they are off to a great start.

An actor as well as a musician, T.J. has appeared on the Orcas Center stage in “Charlie and Chocolate Factory,” “A Christmas Carol,” and “Billy Elliot.” He also enjoys singing with a youth performance choir.

T.J. also excels at sports. He plays baseball and basketball on Orcas, and also plays with the Junior Elite Tennis Team at Bellingham Tennis Club.