MIDDLE SCHOOL | ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
Program Planning
Review everything you need to prepare for your program and time in London.
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 Royal Festival 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 West End 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 March 27. We may not be able to accommodate special requests after this date.
Travel Logistics
Junior Finalists (and Family Program participants, only if selecting the Full Access program) should schedule their flights to arrive and depart from Heathrow Airport (LHR) in order to take advantage of the Series airport transportation. Only registered participants (Junior Finalists and registered Family Program participants) may ride the airport shuttles.
Arrivals: Flights should arrive between 8:00a and 11:00a on July 28, 2020.
Departures: Flights should depart for home after 8:00a on August 1, 2020. Shuttles will depart the hotel for LHR airport on August 1 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.
Required Travel Documentation for Non-United Kingdom Citizens: Finalists and any Family Program participants (who are not citizens of the United Kingdom) must possess a current passport. 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.
Participants of certain nationalities may also require a visa for entry to London (United States citizens do not require a visa). The Series is not responsible for processing delays or decisions on visa applications made by the relevant embassies or consulates. Visa requirements are subject to change at the government’s discretion. The Series recommends not flying on multiple airline carriers or through several countries to reach your destination unless necessary. The Series recommends that you check with your ticketed air carrier(s) and the respective consulate(s) to confirm your visa needs. 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.
It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to obtain their required travel documents, and we recommend starting the process of obtaining necessary travel documents as soon as possible.
Series Hotel and Rooming
Honors Performance Series Hotel: Junior Finalists and registered Family Program Participants will stay at the Millennium Gloucester at 4-18 Harrington Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 4LH. This property is conveniently located in the Central Business District, providing Junior Finalists and registered Family Program participants the opportunity to experience the thrill of London.
Honors Performance Series Rooming: Unless requested otherwise, Junior Finalists will be rooming three to a room with three single beds. You do have the opportunity to request double or single occupancy (additional costs apply), and these requests must be submitted online in the abovementioned Confirmation Form by March 27, 2020. All requests will be handled on a first-come, space-available basis. Please note, if you elect a single, double, or triple room upgrade and have not remitted the surcharge payment by May 22, 2020, you will be placed in a triple occupancy room. Room upgrades elected and/or paid for after April 24 will be arranged on a space-available basis.
Rooming with Other Junior Finalists: Junior Finalists are automatically assigned to room with other Junior Finalists of the same gender from the same ensemble. On the Confirmation Form, you have the option to identify up to two other Junior 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 27.
Rooming with Registered Family: Junior Finalists are able to room with registered family who are registered for
the Full Access Family Program only. Since the Family Program is based on double occupancy, an additional
rooming charge will apply for Junior Finalists unless there are three 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 March 27. Room upgrades elected and/or paid for after April 24 will be arranged on a space-available basis.
West End Shows
Coming Soon! Stay tuned for details on the West End shows Junior Finalists will have the opportunity to attend!
Once the shows are announced, Junior Finalists will be able to rank their West End show preference. Tickets for each show are limited, and preference will be prioritized in the order in which the request forms are received. The Series team will do our best to honor all preferences submitted, but due to the number of participants and requests we cannot guarantee placement for any specific show.
Registered Full Access Family participants are matched with their Junior Finalist for the show and seated together.
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, they may get details and apply online on our website at www.honorsperformance.org/chaperone. 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 New York.
If you wish to request a specific Chaperone, please indicate their name under “Chaperone Preference” on the Confirmation Form prior to March 27.
Junior 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. Junior Finalists are encouraged to dress appropriately for the West End show. Attire for the Junior Finalist Celebration is casual; we recommend Junior Finalists wear what they wore to rehearsals.
The Junior Finalist dress code for the Royal Festival Hall 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.
Junior 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 Royal Festival Hall 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 Junior 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 West End 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 London. 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 London.
Sightseeing Extension
Looking for a way to extend the fun of your family's Honors Performance Series experience? Our new Sightseeing Extensions allow Junior Finalists and their loved ones to add two additional nights to their stay! A licensed guide will be your host as you explore more of what the UK has to offer.
Included in the extension are additional hotel nights, a full day sightseeing tour to Stonehenge and Bath, a tour of Windsor Castle, admission to must-see city landmarks, and a licensed guide to ensure your experience is one you'll never forget!
Visit the Sightseeing Extension section of our website to review complete details and to register.
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.
As of March 19, in response to world events, we are pleased to offer a new Travel Protection Plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. This new CFAR Travel Protection Plan covers 75% of your non-refundable program fees and allows you to cancel your participation for any reason up until two days before the program.
This new plan option with CFAR coverage will replace the standard Traveler Protection Program for all enrollments received as of March 19. If you have previously purchased the standard Traveler Protection Plan, your enrollment will be honored; however, if you wish to modify your travel insurance and enroll in the plan that includes CFAR, please contact us to cancel your current Travel Protection Plan enrollment and enroll in the new plan.
Click here for more information and instructions for enrolling. For complete details of the CFAR Travel Protection Plan, click here. Your request to add the CFAR Travel Protection Plan to your account must be submitted no later than June 19.
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented and operated by WorldStrides.
