Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall

FAQs

1. What is The American High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall?
The Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall was established to showcase some of the most talented student performers in high school today. Through an individual nomination and selection process, accomplished students are brought together in New York City with peers to comprise the Honors Choir and Honors Instrumental Ensembles.

2. Who are the conductors for the Honors Performance Series?
We are proud to have the following Honors Conductors tentatively confirmed for the 2013 Honors Performance.

Dr. Eph Ehly – Conductor, Honors Choir

Jeffrey Grogan – Conductor, Honors Orchestra

Sharon Lavery – Conductor, Honors Band

H. Robert Reynolds – Guest Conductor, Honors Band

All of our conductors have received international acclaim for their work and have extensive experience in working with talented students, making them the perfect choices to lead the Honors Choir and Honors Instrumental Ensembles.

3. What do Finalists do at the Honors Performance Series?
The program was developed to challenge students to perform at their very best as they play and sing for both New York concert-going patrons and specially-invited collegiate music program representatives. Though much of the student’s time is therefore focused on performance preparation, the week also allows students to experience the best of the sights and the performance arts in New York City.

Highlights of the 5-day program include:

A performance of the Honors Choir and Honors Instrumental Ensembles at Carnegie Hall under the direction of renowned conductors like Dr. Eph Ehly, Jeffrey Grogan, Sharon Lavery, and H. Robert Reynolds
Be heard by collegiate music programs invited to the performance
Rehearse and interact with other accomplished Finalists from across the United States, Canada and select international schools
Participate in a music seminar featuring an industry professional
Experience New York by seeing a Broadway Show, participating in guided sightseeing and attending a nationally televised morning show

4. When will the 2013 American High School Honors Performance Series take place?
The 2013 Series will take place February 7-11, 2013. The Honors Performance at Carnegie Hall will be Sunday, February 10th at 8pm.

5. What ensembles will perform at the 2013 Honors Performance Series?
The 2013 Honors Performance Series is currently planned to feature an Honors Choir, Honors Band and Honors Orchestra. Instrumentalists are first accepted into the program and are then assigned to Band or Orchestra based upon instrumentation and balance requirements (the Series cannot guarantee that, if accepted, instrumentalists will be placed into a specific ensemble).

6. What is the connection between the American High School Honors Performance Series and WorldStrides Heritage Performance?
The American High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall is coordinated by WorldStrides Heritage Performance. For more than three decades, WorldStrides Heritage Performance has strived to promote excellence among choirs, bands, and orchestras by providing outstanding educational and performance opportunities for accomplished student performers across North America. They are proud to support the Honors Performance Series as yet another unique educational and performance opportunity for talented instrumentalists and singers.

7. How are Finalists selected?

Music directors from across the United States, Canada and select international schools recognize and nominate their talented 9th-12th grade students.
Nominated students and self-nominating students are invited to individually apply for selection.
Applicants submit a complete application and audition recording. Self-nominating students must submit an additional teacher recommendation.
All applications are reviewed by an expert board of music professionals for final selection. Instrumentalists are first accepted into the program and are then assigned to the Band or Orchestra based upon instrumentation and balance requirements (the Series cannot guarantee that, if accepted, instrumentalists will be placed into a specific ensemble).
Finalists and First Runner-ups notifications will be mailed by October 31, 2012.

8. What are the Application Requirements?

Complete Application Form, signed by applicant and guardian
Complete Performing Biography Form
Audition recording/CD (described below)
$295 Participation deposit (the full deposit amount, minus the $10 application fee is refunded if not selected. Once accepted, the deposit becomes non-refundable.)

Applicants may submit the materials either using the online registration process or through a paper application. Applications will not be considered until all required pieces are received. If an applicant fails to submit required portions, their deposit is not refunded.

9. What are the requirements of the audition recording?
Each student must submit an audition recording. The recording can either by uploaded to our site (after registering online) or a CD sent by mail for Board evaluation. Recording must meet the following criteria:

Audition repertoire:
- Vocalists: Select the piece (or pieces), but are encouraged to select a classical piece which best demonstrates their ability.
- Instrumentalists: May select a technical piece of their choosing.
  - Suggested etudes – Coming Soon!
Between 3 and 5 minutes in length and may consist of more than one piece
Digital file or CD only
Digital submissions must be mp3 files only
Applicants select the piece (or pieces), but are encouraged to select a technical piece which best demonstrates their ability
Recordings may not be engineered or enhanced in any manner
You may audition on more than one instrument and you may audition as an instrumentalist and a vocalist. In both cases, you only need to submit one application deposit, but you will need to submit multiple recordings.
Instrumentalists:

All instrumental applications are automatically considered for both ensembles. Applicants need only submit one recording.
All performances should be solo without accompaniment
Percussionists: Include solos on three instruments of your choice with background accompaniment

Vocalists:

Piano accompaniment is encouraged

Please note: Recordings will not be returned to the applicant

10. I’m an instrumentalist; do I need to apply for both ensembles or can I apply for only one?
All instrumentalists are automatically considered equally for both. Instrumentalists are first accepted into the program and are then assigned to Band or Orchestra based upon instrumentation and balance requirements (the Series cannot guarantee that, if accepted, instrumentalists will be placed into a specific ensemble).We do reach out to applicants and offer them the opportunity to indicate a preference, but this does not guarantee their placement into a particular ensemble.

11. Can parents participate in the Honors Performance Series?
Parents, family members, and friends are welcome to join their Finalist by either purchasing one of our Family Program packages or by purchasing individual tickets to the performance. It is a great experience to share with family and friends. Information on package options will be provided to Finalists once accepted and posted on the “Family” Page of this website. Additionally, information on how to purchase tickets to the performance will be provided to Finalists. Other than individual tickets to the Carnegie Hall performance, all hotels, activities, touring and events are available only as a part of a package (cannot be purchased individually).

12. What about performer safety?
The safety and security of our student performers is our highest priority. Though all Finalists will be provided options to have family participate in a Family Program package, we recognize that many students may be traveling to New York alone. We’re proud to say that the Honors Performance Series is produced and supported by organizations with more than 45 years of experience providing student-focused event and travel logistics. Every program element is designed so that directors, parents, and performers can rest easy and students can focus on their main reason for being in New York – performing at their very best in Carnegie Hall. Program elements include:

Airport shuttles and staff to greet and send off students from assigned airport
All transportation during the program
Chaperones (many of whom are music teachers) to supervise performers outside of rehearsals and during activities
Program staff experienced and trained in working with high school students
Accommodations in student-friendly hotels (safe areas, interior corridors, etc.)
Hotel night security on each occupied floor to ensure a restful night for students
“Doctors On Call” arrangement for medical support while on the program
24-hour staffed emergency office in New York City to handle the unexpected
Extensive participant insurance while on the program

Through these many measures, the Series ensures that the program is a safe and positive experience for all involved.

13. What is included in the cost of the American High School Honors Performance Series?
The Honors Performance Series provides a hassle-free experience so that selected student performers can focus on their main reason for being in New York – performing at their very best in Carnegie Hall. The Series includes for all Finalists (tentative):

All rehearsal cost, including equipment and sheet music
All production cost and services for the Carnegie Hall performance
All fees for shown activities – including a Broadway show, celebration, and activities
All ground transportation during the program, including transfers between the specified airport and hotels (arrival and departure flights/trains are the responsibility of participants)
Exposure to and learning from world-class conductors for the program duration
Music Seminar
Student chaperones, city touring guides, and program staff
Four nights lodging in highly-rated student-friendly hotels (quad occupancy) with staff onsite to ensure a good stay
Hotel night security on each occupied floor to ensure a restful night for performers
A 24-hour staffed emergency office in New York City to handle the unexpected
A "Doctors On Call" arrangement for medical support while on the program
Extensive traveler insurance while on the program

Transportation to and from New York and meals are NOT included in the program.
A set payment plan and need-based scholarships are available.

14. Is transportation included in the program?
All ground transportation, including shuttling between the designated airport and hotels, once in New York City is included (for registered participants of the program only). Transportation to and from New York City is the responsibility of each participant. Because this is a selective program, we encourage you to not book airline tickets until you have received both your acceptance and the specified arrival/departure times and locations.

15. Will someone meet me at the airport?
You are given a window of time at a specific New York airport during which included transportation to and from the hotel will be provided. Participants should book their flight arrival and departure times to coincide with these periods in order to meet up with program representatives at the airport and take advantage of this included service. Participants arriving or departing outside of these windows will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to or from the assigned hotel.

16. What if I am arriving into a different airport, or by train or car?
Participants arriving into a different airport than the one assigned, by train, or by car should proceed directly to the official program hotel for registration.

17. Are scholarships available?
The American High School Honors Performance Series is dedicated to bringing together talented student performers across North America. Need-based partial scholarships are available to ensure that performers from all economic backgrounds are able to experience this unique performance honor at Carnegie Hall. Please call 1-800-503-0807 for more information.

18. Where will participants stay?
All of our hotels are nationally recognized. Each hotel has been chosen for its cleanliness, hospitality, and safe location. Our hotels are “student friendly” and rated highly by Directors who have participated in our programs.

19. Does my Finalist get to choose his/her roommates?
Finalists are placed four to a room with double beds in each room. In general, roommate selection is randomly assigned by gender. Meeting new people and making new friends is a key element of the Honors Performance Series and roommates enhance the entire experience. If a Finalist is traveling with a family member who has purchased a 5-day Family Program package, they may request to room together. Occupancy other than four to a room requires a room surcharge. Please contact us if you would like more information about this option.

20. How can I reach a Finalist in case of emergency?
During the program, families may call our program emergency office at 1-212-302-8940. We have staff on call 24 hours a day, so that we will be able to put you in touch with your child in case of an emergency. Please also note that all Finalists carry with them an emergency card or a name badge with a toll free number listed on it so they can reach support staff in case of an emergency.

21. Is there a code of conduct for Finalists?
To ensure a positive experience for all Finalists, participants are required to sign a behavior contract before participating in the Honors Performance Series.

22. What is the Program Travel & Protection Plan and what does it cover?
The Program & Travel Protection Plan is designed exclusively for Finalists and Family Program participants and represents a great value for program and travel protection. In the event that you become unexpectedly ill or injured before or during your program, the plan will reimburse you for charges that are assessed due to cancellation or for the unused portion of your trip should it be interrupted for a covered reason. In addition, the plan addresses minor inconveniences like lost or delayed baggage (including instruments). The plan provides protection not only of your investment in your program, but also offers important coverage while you are traveling.

For complete details of the terms, conditions and exclusions for the coverage please refer to the Description of Coverage which is available here.

The additional cost of the Program Travel & Protection Program is $69 per participant. Payment should be paid to the American High School Honors Performance Series.

For further questions, please contact the plan administrator, BerkelyCare, at 1-(800) 797-2297 (Ask for the American High School Honors Performance Series Desk)

22. Who do we make checks payable to?
Please make checks payable to Honors Performance Series.

23. How can I ask people to donate to my program fees?
Requesting donations is even easier with our new electronic cards. Those closest to you will enjoy their special e-greeting and the opportunity to be a part of your unforgettable experience! Click here to send e-cards to all of your family and friends! Participants have raised, on average, 20% of their total cost using e-cards. Many have even accumulated donations in excess of $1,500 through this alone!