A teenage musician is headed to Ireland to perform with a local ensemble.

Jose Falcon, a 17-year-old senior from Central High School in Bridgeport, is part of the Jim Royle Drum Studio.

The studio is home to an ensemble known as the A-Team, which was recently selected to perform at the prestigious Irish Academy of Music in Dublin.

Falcon, who lost both of his parents tragically at the age of 3 years old and was raised by his grandmother, says that despite losing both of his parents, he never lost his way.

"Never give up, follow your dreams and don't let no one bring you down," he says.

Falcon says in Ireland, he and the ensemble will perform with the New York Philharmonic's head percussionist, an opportunity he would never have gotten without the support of founder Jim Royle and his fellow musicians.

The A-Team will hold a benefit concert at First Presbyterian Church in Fairfield next Friday to help pay for their trip to Ireland.