• Music directors from across the world recognize and nominate their talented high school musicians.
• Nominated students and self-nominating students are invited to apply individually for selection.
• Applicants submit a complete application and audition recording. Students who haven't received a teacher nomination may still apply and are required to submit the contact information for a teacher reference as part of the application process.
• All applications are reviewed by the Series’ expert Board of music professionals for final selection. Applicants are first accepted into the program and are then assigned to an ensemble upon instrumentation and balance requirements. Please note that program dates may change depending on your selected ensemble, and the Series cannot guarantee that, if accepted, applicants will be placed into a specific ensemble.
• Each applicant receives a notification email to all address(es) listed on their application by the end of October 2024. This email will specify the student’s application results: Finalist (selected to perform), First Runner-up (waitlisted), or Deferred (not accepted and not waitlisted).

 

The High School Honors Performance Series application requirements are as follows. Please see the application page for additional details.

• Online application form and deposit
• Teacher reference
• A performer biography
• A three- to five-minute audition recording

Applications are not considered until all required pieces are received. If an applicant fails to submit required portions, their deposit is forfeited.

Applications are automatically considered equally for all applicable ensembles, so if you wish to apply on only one instrument or voice part, you need submit only one application and audition recording to be considered for all applicable ensembles. Accepted applicants will be placed into an ensemble by the Series Selection Board based on balance and instrumentation requirements; students may not request a specific ensemble.

Additionally, you may audition on more than one instrument, and you may also audition as both an instrumentalist and a vocalist. In both cases, you only need to submit one application form, deposit, teacher reference, and Performing Biography, but you will need to submit multiple audition recordings.

Parents, family members, and friends are welcome to join their Finalist by purchasing one of our Family Programs or by purchasing individual tickets to the performance. This is a wonderful experience to share with family and friends.

Information on Family Program options will be provided to Finalists once accepted and posted on this website. Additionally, information on how to purchase tickets to the performance will be provided to Finalists. Other than individual tickets to the Sydney Opera House performance, all hotels, activities, touring, and events are available only as a part of the Family Program and cannot be purchased individually.

 
The health, 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, we recognize that many students may be traveling to Sydney alone. We’re proud to say that the Honors Performance Series is produced and supported by organizations with more than 50 years of experience providing student-focused event and travel logistics. Every program element is designed so that music professionals, parents, and performers can rest easy and students can focus on their main reason for being in Sydney – performing at their very best at the Sydney Opera House. Program elements include:

• Airport shuttles and staff to greet and send off students from assigned airport
• All transportation during the program
• Chaperones to supervise performers outside of rehearsals and during activities (see below for additional information about our Chaperone selection process)
• Program staff experienced and trained in working with high school students
• Accommodations in student-friendly hotels (safe areas, interior corridors, etc.)
• Doctors on Call arrangement for U.S.-based medical support while on the program
• Staff available 24 hours to handle any unexpected circumstances
• Extensive participant insurance while on the program

Additionally, selected participants are expected to act with utmost professionalism and maturity during the program (as outlined in the Performer Code of Conduct signed by all participants). For additional information about our health and safety measures, please click here.

 

The Honors Performance Series provides a hassle-free experience so  selected student performers can focus on their main reason for being in Australia—performing at their very best at Sydney Opera House. The Series includes for all Finalists (tentative):

• All rehearsals, including equipment and sheet music
• All production and services for the Sydney Opera House performance
• All shown activities, including sightseeing, celebration, and other activities
• All ground transportation during the program, including transfers between the assigned airport and hotel (flights to and from Sydney are the participant's responsibility; additional information about the option to participate in a group flight will be distributed to Finalists after acceptance)
• Exposure to and learning from world-class conductors for the program duration
• Experienced chaperones, city touring guides, and program staff
• Five nights’ lodging in a centrally located, student-friendly hotel with on-site staff
• A 24-hour staffed emergency office to handle any unexpected circumstances
• 24-hour access to Doctors on Call, our U.S.-based medical support through The George Washington University Hospital, during the program
• Extensive traveler insurance while on the program

Transportation to and from Sydney and meals are not included in the program; additional information about the option to participate in a group flight will be distributed to Finalists after acceptance. A set payment plan and scholarships are available.

In general, roommate selection is randomly assigned by ensemble and 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 student knows another selected Finalist from the same ensemble, they will be given the opportunity to request to room together following acceptances. While these arrangements cannot be guaranteed ahead of the program, we do our best to accommodate all requests.

Certain occupancy arrangements require a room surcharge. Please contact us if you would like more information about specific occupancy requests.