Our History
Exceptional young musicians from around the world are invited to apply for the prestigious Honors Performance Series. To be eligible, students must be in U.S. grades 6–12 (or the international equivalent) during the 2025–2026 school year. High school and Middle School music program applicants are required to submit a complete online application, including all requested information and supporting materials, including an audition recording.
All required components must be received on or before the application deadline for an application to be considered by our Selection Board. Early submission of application materials enables our Selection Board to provide careful and thorough consideration.
1964
1964
Phil Wendel, a middle school social studies teacher from Chicago, discovers just how impactful and educational travel can be for his students after taking them on a trip to Washington, D.C. This experience inspires Phil to leave teaching and launch Lakeland Tours in 1967.
1998
1998
From 1998 to 2001, Lakeland Tours began a partnership with other leaders in the student travel industry, including Bowl Games of America (BGA) and Heritage Festivals. The partnership resulted in the formation of WorldStrides. The addition of BGA and Heritage Festivals paved the way for WorldStrides to expand its music programs to include performance opportunities for bands, choirs, and orchestras.
2008
2008
In 2008, Field Studies International joined the WorldStrides family, infusing the organization with more than 20 years of experience hosting student music programs at New York’s world-renowned Carnegie Hall.
2010
2010
The Honors Performance Series proudly hosts over 400 students from around the world, including the United States, Bermuda, and Canada, for its inaugural High School Honors Performance at Carnegie Hall.
2014
2014
In the footsteps of the High School Honors Performance Series, the Middle School Honors Performance Series is launched. Approximately 350 musicians audition and are accepted from the United States, Canada, and Guam.
2017
2017
Building upon the heritage of the Carnegie Hall programs, the Honors Performance Series presents its first international Honors Performance at the Sydney Opera House. The Series also introduces the Young Adult Honors Performance Series, featuring collegiate and young professional performers ranging from 18 to 25 years old.
2018
2018
WorldStrides and Envision join forces, adding nearly 20 career, leadership, and technology experiential learning programs for students from elementary school through college. The Honors Performance Series partners with Envision, further bolstering the Series' operational and educational support for student musicians.
2019
2019
Middle school performers receive their first international Honors Performance Series opportunity in London, England, at the Royal Festival Hall.
2019
2021
The classical music hub of Vienna, Austria, hosts the High School and Young Adult Honors Performance Series at the legendary Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
2024/2025
2024/2025
Middle school performers head to Hollywood to perform at the historic Ambassador Auditorium.
The Honors Performance Series enters its 15th season!
Honors Performance Series Junior Finalists and Finalists will return to Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, our mission to create safe and enriching performance opportunities for driven young musicians remains steadfast. We look forward to including you as we continue writing the story of the Honors Performance Series.
Want more information?
Safety & Security
Learn more about the steps we take to support a safe and positive experience for all Series participants.
Our Conductors
Meet the distinguished group of music professionals who mentor and lead our Honors Ensembles.
For Teachers
Acquaint yourself with the Series, how to nominate, and how you can join one of our programs!
For Performers
Get program and application details and submit your audition materials for consideration.