MIDDLE SCHOOL | CARNEGIE HALL
Selection Process
The honor of participation in the Honors Junior Ensembles is limited to the most skilled middle school performers chosen through an individual application and selection process.
Selection of Junior Finalists
Selected Junior Finalists receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with and learn from renowned conductors as they prepare to perform at a truly world-class venue, Carnegie Hall. In a special performance, students perform for New York concert-goers, educators, and family.
In most cases, qualified students are invited to apply after having been nominated by a music teacher familiar with their accomplishments. Given that not all directors are aware of the opportunity to nominate, students who have not received a teacher nomination may still apply and are required to submit the contact information for a teacher reference as part of the application process.
Application Requirements
To be considered for selection to the 2023 Honors Performance Series, a student must be in US grades 6-8 (or equivalent international study level) during the 2022-2023 school year and submit a completed application, which includes:
- Application form (includes a $30 nonrefundable deposit fee and a $250 participation deposit that is refunded if the applicant is not accepted)
- Contact information for a teacher reference
- A performing biography
- A three- to five-minute audition recording
Please review the Application tab for additional details about these requirements.
Instruments & Voice Parts
The Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall is planned to feature a full choir and one to two instrumental ensembles, likely a concert band and string orchestra.
Accepted Junior Finalists are assigned to an ensemble based upon the recommendation of our Selection Board to satisfy balance requirements for each ensemble, and to maintain an equally high level of musicality for all ensembles. The Series cannot guarantee that, if accepted, applicants will be placed into a specific ensemble.
Past choirs have included sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. Previous instrumental ensembles required the following instruments: bassoons, cellos, clarinets (including Bb, Eb, and bass), string basses, euphoniums, flutes, French horns, oboes, percussion, saxophones (including alto, tenor, and baritone), trombones, tubas, violas, and violins.
Evaluation Process and Selection of Junior Finalists
Frank L. Battisti – Conductor Emeritus
New England Conservatory of Music
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
