HIGH SCHOOL | CARNEGIE HALL
Program Overview
The High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall challenges elite students to perform at their best.
2026 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall
Mark your calendars for our exciting program dates: February 5-9th, 2026!
Applications for 2026 are due by September 10th! The sooner you apply, the sooner you'll receive your decision email!!
Unleash Your Musical Talent! We're pleased to welcome rising 9th-12th grade musicians to apply for the 2026 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall!
Selected Finalists will rehearse and perform under master conductors, connecting with like-minded musicians from across the globe. And that’s not all! They’ll also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant performing arts scene of New York City during this unforgettable journey.
Program Highlights
- Perform in one of two elite Honors Performances at Carnegie Hall under the direction of renowned conductors.
- Work with master conductors and build your performing resume.
- Stay at the Marriott Marquis in the heart of Time Square in New York City!
- Rehearse and interact with other Finalists from across the globe.
- Commemorate your accomplishments and have fun with your new friends at the Finalist Celebration.
- Attend a Broadway Show, visit New York’s most famous landmarks, like Times Square, and experience the Big Apple!
Sample Itinerary
(Selected Finalists, see your acceptance materials for a more detailed itinerary)
Day 1
- Morning: Travel to New York City
- Afternoon: Airport greeting and transfer to the hotel
- Evening: Check into the hotel and meet your Chaperone group
Day 4
- Morning: Morning Activity or Final rehearsal (varies by ensemble)
- Afternoon: Final rehearsal or High School Honors performance (varies by ensemble)
- Evening: Finalist Celebration or High School Honors performance (varies by ensemble)
Day 2
- Morning & Afternoon: Seating and rehearsals
- Evening: Attend a Broadway show
Day 5
- Morning: Farewell and return to airport
- Afternoon: Depart for home
Day 3
- Morning & Afternoon: Rehearsals
- Evening: Sightseeing or Finalist Celebration (varies by ensemble)
Student performers attending the High School Honors Performance Series are eligible to receive college credit(s) through George Mason University.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Honors Performance Series is dedicated to bringing together talented student performers from all over the world. Partial scholarships are available to ensure that performers of all economic backgrounds may participate in this unique performance honor at Carnegie Hall. The scholarship application will be made available following program acceptances. Please contact us at +1-800-503-0807 to learn more.
The Series is additionally proud to share a number of fundraising ideas with selected performers. Click here for more details.
What's Included?
The 2026 program tuition includes the following:
- All rehearsals, including equipment and sheet music
- All production and services for the Carnegie Hall performance
- All shown activities, including a Broadway show, celebration, and activities
- All ground transportation during the program. (Arrival and departure transportation—flights, trains, etc.—are the participant's responsibility)
- Exposure to and learning from world-class conductors for the program duration
- Experienced Chaperones, city touring guides, and program staff to provide a safe and engaging environment
- Four nights' lodging in a highly rated, centrally located hotel with on-site staff
- Two participants to a room, each featuring two beds
- Hotel night security to ensure a restful night for performers
- A 24-hour staffed emergency office in New York City 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
- Commemorative digital recording of repertoire from rehearsal emailed to Junior Finalists following the program
Please Note: Transportation to/from New York and meals are the participant's responsibilities and are not included in the program cost.
Tuition and Payment Plan for Selected Finalists
February 5-9, 2026 // $3,399
Selected performers have the option to satisfy the full tuition upon acceptance or follow a payment plan, which spreads out the tuition amount between the date of acceptance and the program start date.
Payment plans are generated at the time of acceptance, and monthly payments are automatically charged to the participant's credit card on the first or 15th of the month. Accepted Finalists can review additional details by logging into my.honorsperformance.org and clicking "Payment".
Erin
Finalist
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
