HIGH SCHOOL | ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
Application Details
Ready to apply? Follow the steps outlined below to submit your application materials.
Who can Apply?
The privilege of participating in the Honors Ensembles is offered to talented high school students from an international pool of applicants. To be considered, you must be in US grades 9-12 (or equivalent international study level) during the 2025-2026 school year and submit a complete electronic application, in which all required information—as well as all supplemental files (audition recording, etc.)—is submitted online.
Important Dates
- Please turn in your FULL application by May 21, 2025 and your $49 application fee will be waived!
Required Application Materials
All applicants must complete the following steps:
All required components must be received on or before the application deadline for an application to be considered by our Selection Board.
Step 1: Complete Online Enrollment
If you received a Student ID with your invitation materials, please include this ID when you start the enrollment process.
To ensure each application receives the careful consideration it deserves, our Selection Board encourages early submission of materials.
Please note: If you aren't selected as a Finalist, all but the $49 deposit fee will be refunded. If you start the application process but don't submit the required materials by the deadline, or if you withdraw for any reason, your deposit will not be refunded.
Once you've completed online enrollment and submitted your application deposit, you'll gain access to your student portal, where you can submit your Teacher Reference Form, Performing Biography, and Audition Recording(s).
Step 2: Provide a Teacher Reference Form
Step 3: Complete the Performing Biography Form
Provide more information about yourself and your musical background by completing the brief Performing Biography Form in your student portal. An overview of the questions asked is included below to assist as you get ready to apply:
- Do you take private lessons? If so, for how long and with whom?
- What voice part(s) and/or instrument(s) do you sing/play proficiently?
Step 4: Submit Your Audio Recording(s)
Each student must submit an audition recording by uploading a digital file with their application. To view your Audition Guide, please click on the link below that corresponds with the instrument or
voice part on which you plan to apply. Please review the requirements in your respective Audition Guide before completing and submitting your recording.
Notice: We regret to inform you that auditions for Piano, Guitar and Harp are currently not being accepted. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to audition with other instruments.
Evaluation Process and Selection of Finalists
Applicants will promptly receive an official confirmation email after their materials have been received by the Series. Official program communications will be sent to the email address(es) provided in the application.
- Application Review: Once an application is complete, it will be evaluated by our Selection Board, which is composed of professional music educators. The Board will determine Finalists for the Honors Choir and Honors Instrumental Ensembles, giving equal consideration to all relevant ensembles.
- Notification of Results: Finalists will be notified by email approximately six weeks after submitting their application. The email will include their results: Finalist (selected to perform), Waitlisted (acceptance contingent on part availability), or Deferred (not accepted and not waitlisted).
- Ensemble Placement: Ensemble decisions will be finalized and communicated via email. Accepted Finalists will be assigned to ensembles based on the recommendations of our Selection Board to ensure balance and high musical quality across all groups. While efforts will be made to accommodate preferences, specific ensemble placement cannot be guaranteed
- Rolling Admissions: Rolling admissions will continue after September 10. Applications will be accepted up to 60 days before domestic programs and 90 days before international programs. Please note that rolling auditions will only be considered based on remaining ensemble needs.
- Preparation for Accepted Finalists: Finalists can expect to receive their sheet music and Conductor’s rehearsal notes no later than 60 days prior to their program's start date.
- Replacement Policy: In the event of a Finalist canceling their participation, a First Runner-up will be invited to fill the vacancy.
Zachary
Finalist
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
