Anthony Dennis (’14) Featured in Santa Barbara News Press

Anthony Dennis traveled across the country last week as his wish to attend a performance by The Piano Guys was fulfilled.

Mr. Dennis, 18, of Brick, N.J., along with his parents and best friend, Steven, arrived at the Granada Theatre on Tuesday by limo and met with the classical trio from St. George, Utah.

His trip was made possible by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition.

When he first caught wind of the trip, Mr. Dennis couldn't believe what was happening.

"I was just so elated," he said. "I just recently became interested in The Piano Guys and their music, and I was so excited. They have been an inspiration to me and helped me do what I love."

Mr. Dennis was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August 2010, but it hasn't dampened his spirits.

Since the diagnosis, he has started a band with his cousin, Star, named The Lustic Clouds, where he takes modern songs and injects them with a classical twist — much like the work of The Piano Guys.

What originally began as a way to cope with his illness, has unfolded into several arrangements and original compositions and fueled his passion for music.

Having been musically inclined for several years, Mr. Dennis began playing piano in third grade. After learning the violin the following year, he took up the guitar in sixth grade.

After attending the sound check prior to The Piano Guys performance, Mr. Dennis told the band about his arrangements for the orchestra at his school. What happened next was truly remarkable.

"Since I got on the topic, we began looking for a dressing room with a piano so I could play for them," said Mr. Dennis. "I was playing, and about a minute into it Jon Schmidt, Steve Nelson and Al Van Der Beek started using the piano I was playing on as percussion in beat with my piece. That was my favorite moment of the night."

While the sound may have not resonated onto the stage, the melody he performed won't be one that Mr. Dennis will soon forget.

Mr. Dennis was recognized by the band members during the performance, and they dedicated the debut of Story of My Life to him and his family.

After his diagnosis in 2010, Mr. Dennis immediately began chemotherapy and endured radiation therapy. His treatment, which caused him to miss his freshman year in high school, and was completed by March 2011.

Mr. Dennis' mother, Lynn Dennis, said her son has handled his situation heroically.

"He's absolutely amazing," said Mrs. Dennis. "He's driven, passionate in his school work, his friendships, his music, everything."

Since his return to the classroom in September 2011, he has been working diligently and was able to graduate from upper school last month.

While his musical career experienced immense growth last week, Mr. Dennis intends to continue to explore his creativity as he plans to attend Oberlin College in Ohio, studying creative writing.

Next week, he will travel to campus and take part in a composition workshop, preparing a piece and work with other musicians while sharing his approach to music.

After a few days to reflect on his experience, Mr. Dennis is still in awe.

"This is probably No. 1," said Mr. Dennis when asked to rank his musical accomplishments. "Nothing else in my life has been as amazing as this experience."