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University of North Georgia (ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½) sophomore Nicholas "Nick" Henderson had never played in front of music educators at a statewide event. But, as it is said, there is a first time for everything.

Luckily, the Lawrenceville, Georgia, native would not be playing alone. Henderson was joined by ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½ freshman Tamara "Tami" Stroup of Gainesville, Georgia. The pair were invited to perform Oct. 7 at a state conference of music teachers sponsored by the .

During the conference, Georgia music teachers participated in workshops, listened to performances, and learned about research from artists and scholars from across the nation. Performances included winners of an original composition contest from musicians across the state. Henderson, 19, and Stroup, 53, were asked to perform "The Gleaming Waterfall" by 11-year-old Krupa Patel.

"To play an original composition and see the young talent in a setting of professional musicians was inspiring," said Stroup, who is majoring in music.

Henderson, who is majoring in early childhood education, said he didn't know what to expect.

"It was a very cool experience," he said.

With one collaboration complete, Henderson and Stroup are looking to play together in the future.