MIDDLE SCHOOL | CARNEGIE HALL
Selection Process
The honor of participation in the Honors Junior Ensembles is limited to the best middle school performers chosen through an individual application and selection process.
Selection of Junior Finalists
Selected Finalists receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with and learn from renowned conductors as they prepare for and perform at a truly world-class venue – Carnegie Hall. In a special performance, students perform for New York concert-going patrons, 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 are also given the opportunity to self-nominate and apply. Students who wish to self-nominate must, therefore, additionally include a teacher recommendation as part of their application submission.
Application Requirements
To be considered for selection to the 2020 Honors Performance Series, a student must be in US grades 6-8 (or equivalent international study level) during the 2019-2020 school year and submit a completed application, which includes:
- A teacher nomination or recommendation (see above),
- An application form and deposit,
- A performer biography,
- And a 3- to 5-minute audition recording.
Instruments & Voice Parts
The Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall will feature the following distinguished ensembles:
- Honors Junior Band
- Honors Junior Orchestra
- Honors Junior Choir
Accepted Finalists are assigned to an ensemble based upon the recommendation of our Selection Board to satisfy balance requirements for each ensemble, as well as 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 vocal ensembles 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, harps, oboes, percussion, pianos, saxophones (including alto, tenor, and baritone), trombones, tubas, violas, and violins. Should a student apply for a part that is not utilized, a full refund will be sent.
Frank L. Battisti – Conductor Emeritus
New England Conservatory of Music
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
