INFORMATION FOR MUSIC TEACHERS

About the Series

The Honors Performance Series was established to feature talented student musicians in a once-in-a-lifetime performance on stage at world-renowned venues. This opportunity is made possible by support and nominations from music educators across the world.

The Nomination and Selection Process

Selection for the Honors Performance Series requires a nomination/recommendation from a music professional. College professors, school teachers, private instructors, and other music professionals are eligible to nominate.

  • Music directors from across the world recognize and nominate their most talented performers.
  • Nominees receive an invitation with a nomination certificate along with program and application details. Each nominee receives a unique Invitation Number that will link their application to their nomination.
  • Applicants submit a completed application form, performer biography, and audition recording.
  • Completed applications are reviewed by an expert board of music professionals.
  • Selected musicians are assigned to ensembles based upon voicing/instrumentation requirements.
  • All student applicants may apply for partial scholarships on our Scholarships & Fundraising page

Key Program Details

The information below represents general information and timelines for all Honors Performance Series opportunities. Specific details are available on the program detail pages of this website.

Middle School Music Program

 (US Grades 6-8 or International Equivalent)

hps-program-overview-for-teachers-page-carnegie-MS-600x800-min

Middle School 2026
Carnegie Hall

NEW YORK CITY

  • Age Level: US grades 6-8 or international equivalent
  • Program Dates: July 20-24, 2026
  • Ensembles: Mixed Choir, Band, String Orchestra
  • 2026 Invitations Sent: Fall 2025
  • 2026 Applications Due:
    • First Round - November 19, 2025
    • Final Review - February 4, 2026
  • 2026 Selections Announced: Winter 2026

High School Programs

(US Grades 9-12 or International Equivalent)

High School 2026
Carnegie Hall

NEW YORK CITY

  • Age Level: US grades 9-12 or international equivalent
  • Program Dates: February 5-9, 2026
  • Ensembles: Mixed Choir, Band, String Orchestra, Full Orchestra (Final Ensembles TBD)
  • 2026 Invitations Sent: March 21, 2025
  • 2026 Applications Due:
    • First Round - May 21, 2025
    • February Final Review - September 17, 2025
  • 2026 Selections Announced:
    • Students will be notified of their application decision within approximately 6 weeks of submitting their complete application. The earlier the student turns in their audition, the earlier they will get their decision.
    • Students will learn their ensemble assignments in mid-October 2025
hps-program-overview-for-teachers-page-carnegie-HS-600x800-min
hps-program-overview-for-teachers-page-royal-festival-600x800-min

High School 2026
Royal Festival Hall

LONDON, ENGLAND

  • Age Level: US grades 9-12 or international equivalent
  • Program Dates: June 20-24, 2026
  • Ensembles: Mixed Choir, Band, Orchestra (format TBD)
  • 2026 Invitations Sent: March 21, 2025
  • 2026 Applications Due:
    • First Round - May 21, 2025
    • February Final Review - September 17, 2025
  • 2026 Selections Announced:
    • Students will be notified of their application decision within approximately 6 weeks of submitting their complete application. The earlier the student turns in their audition, the earlier they will get their decision.
    • Students will learn their ensemble assignments in mid-October 2025

High School 2026
Sydney Opera House

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

  • Age Level: US grades 9-12 or international equivalent
  • Program Dates: Summer 2027
  • Ensembles: Mixed Choir, Band, Orchestra (format TBD)
  • 2027 Invitations Sent: Spring 2026
  • 2027 Applications Due:
    • First Round: Spring 2026
    • Final Review: Fall 2026
hps-program-overview-for-teachers-page-sydney-opera-600x800-min

Be a Series Chaperone: Travel, Experience the Series, and Earn Professional Development

We love working with music educators and are pleased to offer teachers a unique opportunity to see the Honors Performance Series in action.

How To Apply:

Music educators are invited to become a part of the Middle or High School Honors Performance Series by applying to be a program Chaperone. This is an amazing opportunity to work with some of the best student musicians selected from an international pool of applicants, learn from world-class conductors, and experience locations such as New York City, London, Vienna, and Sydney.

Chaperones are selected through an application process, which includes a background check. Those selected serve an active role, ensuring the safety and well-being of approximately 15 participants throughout the program. Priority is given to Chaperones who have one or more students selected for the program for which they are applying, and selected Chaperones receive 25-30 Professional Development points upon successful completion of the program. Click here for more details.

For additional information, call or email us:

+1 (800) 503-0807  | honors@honorsperformance.org

“The impact that Honors has had on our community is staggering. It's listed as the second most significant "point of pride" from our superintendent for PR in the greater metro San Antonio region. Thank you for beginning this program and impacting our kids' lives.”

Warren | Nominator