HIGH SCHOOL | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Program Planning
Review everything you need to prepare for your program in Sydney!
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 30. 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 Sydney Airport 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 7:00a and 11:00a on July 31, 2019. Important note: Due to travel time and time zone differences, travelers from the United States will need to depart home no later than July 29 to arrive in Sydney on the 31st.
Departures: Flights should depart for home after 8:00a on August 5, 2019. Shuttles will depart the hotel for SYD airport on August 5 from 5:00a-8:00a.
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.
Chaperoned Group Flight from the US: The Series has made arrangements for a limited block of seats on direct flights between Los Angeles to/from Sydney to escort participants on the international leg of their journey. Participants may choose to meet Series staff in (and then say goodbye from) Los Angeles instead of traveling the entire journey on their own. These arrangements are optional and the cost thereof is not included in the program cost.
Complete information, including cost, Terms and Conditions, and registration for the chaperoned flight are available on the Group Flight page of our website. Reservations for the chaperoned flight will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Required Travel Documentation for Non-Australian Citizens: Finalists and any Family Program participants (who are not Australian citizens) must possess a current passport and arrange for an Australian visa. All passport and visa fees are the responsibility of the participant. Please note, it can take 4-6 weeks to obtain or renew a passport; we strongly encourage you to obtain your passport as soon as possible. Additionally, most countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your trip. The Series is not responsible for processing delays or decisions on visa applications made by the relevant embassies or consulates.
If you are unfamiliar with the process to obtain a visa, we recommend Visa Central, www.visacentral.com, for comprehensive overview of the procedure and access to an efficient, safe, and secure transaction.
Series Hotel and Rooming
Honors Performance Series Hotel: Finalists and registered Family Program Participants will stay at the InterContinental Sydney at 117 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. This property is conveniently located near the Sydney Harbour, providing Junior Finalists and registered Family Program participants the opportunity to experience the best sights in Sydney.
Honors Performance Series Rooming: Unless requested otherwise, Finalists will be rooming three to a room with three beds. You do have the opportunity to request double, or single occupancy (additional costs apply), and these requests must be submitted online in the above-mentioned Confirmation Form by November 30, 2018. All requests will be handled on a first-come, space-available basis. Please note, if you elect a single or double room upgrade and have not remitted the surcharge payment by December 28 you will be placed in a triple occupancy room. Room upgrades elected and/or paid for after December 28 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 two 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 March 30.
Rooming with Registered Family: Finalists are able to room with registered family who are signed up 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 30. Room upgrades elected and/or paid for after December 28 will be arranged on a space-available basis.
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, details and the application will be available on our website in early 2019. 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 Sydney.
If you wish to request a specific Chaperone, please indicate their name under “Chaperone Preference” on the Confirmation Form prior to November 30.
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. Attire for the Finalist Celebration is casual; we recommend Finalists wear what they wore to rehearsals.
The Finalist dress code for the Sydney Opera House 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). Belts 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.
- Belts 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 Sydney Opera House 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 Sydney. 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 Sydney
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 June 7 to be eligible for coverage.
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
