HIGH SCHOOL | CARNEGIE HALL
Program Planning
Review everything you need to prepare for your time in New York.
As you and your family prepare for the program, you need to consider some important information. Below you will find:
Confirmation Needed
So we may continue to make plans on your behalf for your amazing Carnegie Hall experience, there is some additional information that we will need from you. Before completing the form, we especially encourage you to review the Travel Logistics, Hotel and Rooming information, and Broadway Show options outlined below.
Your place in the program is guaranteed pending receipt of the Confirmation Form. If you indicate you are unable to attend, we will offer your place to a First-Runner up.
Please complete the Confirmation Form as soon as possible and no later than November 8. We may not be able to accommodate special requests after this date.
Travel Logistics
Finalists (and Family Program participants, only if selecting the Full Access program) should schedule their flights to arrive and depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in order to take advantage of the Series airport transportation. Only registered participants (Finalists and registered Family Program participants) may ride the airport shuttles.
Arrivals: Flights should arrive between 3:00p and 7:00p on January 30, 2020.
Departures: Flights should depart for home after 12:30p on February 3, 2020. Shuttles will depart the hotel for JFK airport on February 3 from 9:00a-12:00p.
Participants arriving or departing outside of these windows (on these two specific days) or at a different location will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to or from the hotel at their own expense. All participants will be required to share their travel arrangements with the Series.
Series Hotel and Rooming
Honors Performance Series Hotel: Finalists and registered Family Program Participants will stay at the Sheraton Times Square at 811 7th Ave, New York, New York, USA, 10019. This property is located in the heart of Manhattan, providing Finalists and registered Family Program participants the opportunity to experience the thrill of New York City.
Honors Performance Series Rooming: Unless requested otherwise, Finalists will be rooming four to a room with two double beds. You do have the opportunity to request double, triple, or single occupancy (additional costs apply), and these requests must be submitted online in the above mentioned Confirmation Form by November 8, 2019. All requests will be handled on a first-come, space-available basis. Please note, if you elect a single, double, or triple room upgrade and have not remitted the surcharge payment by December 2, 2019, you will be placed in a quad occupancy room. Room upgrades elected and/or paid for after December 2 will be arranged on a space-available basis.
Rooming with Other Finalists: Finalists are automatically assigned to room with other Finalists of the same gender from the same ensemble. On the Confirmation Form, you have the option to identify up to three other Finalists with whom you wish to share a room (must be from the same ensemble). We will do our best to accommodate all roommate requests; we may be unable to accommodate requests submitted after November 8.
Rooming with Registered Family: Finalists are able to room with registered family who are registered for the Full Access Family Program only. Since the Family Program is based on double occupancy, an additional rooming charge will apply for Finalists unless there are four occupants in the room. If you wish to request to room with family, please indicate their name(s) under “Roommate Preference” on the Confirmation Form prior to November 8. Room upgrades elected and/or paid for after December 2 will be arranged on a space-available basis.
Broadway Shows
We are excited to share that Finalists will have the opportunity to attend one of three top Broadway Shows: Aladdin, Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked! Registered Full Access Family participants are matched with their Finalist for the show and seated together.
Finalists are able to rank their Broadway Show preference on their Confirmation Form (due as soon as possible and no later than November 8). Tickets for each show are limited, and preference will be prioritized in the order in which the Confirmation Forms are received. The Series team will do our best to honor all preferences submitted, but due to the number of participants and requests, we cannot guarantee placement for any specific show.
Director Chaperones
Music teachers are invited to apply to be a Series Chaperone. If your music director is interested in participating in the Series as a Chaperone, they may get details and apply online on our website at www.honorsperformance.org/high-school-chaperone. PLEASE NOTE: Applications from parents, family, and friends who are NOT music professionals will NOT be considered. We know many parents are boosters and chaperone school trips, but due to the nature of the program, we depend upon the music expertise of our Chaperones to assist with music education in New York.
If you wish to request a specific Chaperone, please indicate their name under "Chaperone Preference" on the Confirmation Form prior to November 8.
Finalist Dress Code
There is no specific dress code for the rehearsal days, though sweatpants or pajama pants should not be worn at rehearsals. A general rule of thumb is that attire approved to wear at school is appropriate for rehearsals. Finalists are encouraged to dress appropriately for the Broadway show. Attire for the Finalist Celebration is casual; we recommend Finalists wear what they wore to rehearsals.
The Finalist dress code for the Carnegie Hall performance is specific and allows a formal, uniform look without requiring students to purchase robes. Clothing items should be neat, dressy, and modest, reflecting the honor and formal nature of the event.
The concert dress code for female performers is as follows:
- A white, collared blouse with long sleeves and a modest neckline
- Shirts must be tucked in
- Black slacks, not jean-style (if wearing belts, they must be black)
- No dresses or gowns
- Closed-toed, flat or low-heeled, black dress shoes (no higher than a 2” heel permitted)
- No low-cut shirts or exposed midriffs permitted
- No scarves or embellished headwear permitted
The concert dress code for male performers is as follows:
- A long-sleeved, white dress shirt
- Shirts must be tucked in
- Undershirts must be white without any graphics or writing
- Black straight tie (no bowties permitted)
- Black dress slacks (if wearing belts, they must be black)
- Black dress shoes and socks
- No hats or scarves permitted
Finalist Packing List
Click here to reference suggested packing list online. In addition, please keep in mind the following as you pack for your trip:
- Performing at Carnegie Hall is an honor, and the dress code for the Honors Performance was established to provide a formal, uniform look, without requiring students to purchase robes. Clothing items should be neat, dressy, and modest, reflecting the formal nature of the event. Clothing should not be casual in appearance. Please reference the Finalist Dress Code (outlined above) for a reminder of the concert dress code.
- All performers must bring their sheet music and a plain, black music folder to hold it.
- There is no specific dress code for the rehearsal days, though Finalists are encouraged to dress appropriately for the Broadway show. Sweatpants and pajama pants should not be worn at rehearsals.
- Instrumentalists – remember to bring your instrument (and any associated items, such as bows, mutes, etc.)! Percussionists need to bring mallets, sticks, etc. only.
- You will want to spending money for all meals, souvenirs, and other miscellaneous expenses. We recommend $40-50 a day for meals.
- Please dress appropriately for the weather, including comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and rain jackets.
- Please leave valuables and electronics at home. The Series assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.
Series Family Programs
Series Family Programs are a great way for family members and other loved ones to take part in this exciting experience with you! Visit the Family Program section of our website to review complete details and to register.
The two Family Programs are designed to allow family, friends, and educators to share in a broader Honors Performance Series experience, while also providing additional time to explore New York City. Since most Honors Performance Series rehearsals are closed, there are other activities and free time included in the Family Programs to supplement your time. Both itineraries provide an opportunity to experience the best of the sights and the performance arts in New York City.
Travel Insurance (optional):
It would be very difficult to replace a Finalist who cancels prior to the event. We do recognize, however, that life’s emergencies arise at the last moment (illness, etc.) that may prevent a performer from attending the final event. We are pleased to provide you an opportunity to protect yourself against the loss of your financial investment. Whether you obtain insurance through this offer or elsewhere, we encourage you to consider coverage.
Click here to download the Travel Insurance Form. Forms must be submitted by December 20 to be eligible for coverage.
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
