HIGH SCHOOL | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
2019 Honors Performance Series Chaperone Information
Music educators are invited to become a part of the 2019 High School Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House by applying to be a Series Chaperone. This is an amazing opportunity for educators to work with some of the best high school musicians selected from an international pool of applicants, learn from world-class conductors, experience Sydney and become an integral part of a Sydney Opera House performance.
Chaperones serve a critical role, ensuring the safety and security of all students while participating in the Series. Chaperones act as Series representatives and work to ensure the well-being of Finalists, while also having a great time!
Program Dates:
- The Series will take place Wednesday, July 31, through Monday, August 5, 2019.
- Chaperones must arrive Tuesday, July 30, 2019. Lodging will be provided, and it is essential that Chaperones book their travel so they arrive the day before the students. Please note: Due to travel time and time zone differences, travelers from the United States will need to depart home no later than July 28th to arrive in Sydney on the 30th
Selection Process:
- Applications are due to the Series on March 11, 2019. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
- Applicants will be notified of their status in late March. Notifications will be sent by email, and Chaperones will receive instructions on booking travel to and from Sydney upon acceptance.
- We depend on Chaperones to fulfill an essential component of the program. Once Chaperones are selected, the Series expects them to participate fully in the program and complete their individual roles to the best of their abilities.
Qualifications: Chaperones should have a strong music background, experience working with students, and a desire to help make this an unforgettable experience for the Finalists. Family members, boosters, and other non-music personnel are not eligible for this position. While all music directors are encouraged to apply, preference is given to directors who have successfully participated as Series Chaperones in the past, who have Finalists participating in the Series, or who have a demonstrated record of traveling internationally with student performers.
Application Requirements: The application form at www.honorsperformance.org/sydney-chaperone-application will require the following information from all applicants:
- Completed application form indicating agreement to the Chaperone Terms and Conditions
- A brief teaching resume indicating experience working with student musicians
- Background check authorization (or non-convict letter for applicants who have completed a Series background check in a prior year); as the safety and well-being of the Finalists is our primary concern, all applicants MUST pass a standard background check in order to be considered as a Chaperone.
Inclusions for Selected Chaperones:
- $50 stipend per student payable immediately following the Series (contingent upon successful completion of responsibilities)
- 30 Professional Development Points (please talk with us for more details about how this educational program also helps fulfill your ongoing professional development requirements)
- Up to $500 travel reimbursement for international travel to the program
- Six nights' lodging in a double occupancy room at the Series hotel (based upon a Tuesday, July 30th arrival)
- Admission to all Series activities, including sightseeing, a full-day sightseeing tour, and the Sydney Opera House performance
- All ground transportation during the program that is to or from all Series activities
- Exposure to world-class conductors during the program
- Chaperones are responsible for their own transportation to and from Sydney, submitting for the travel reimbursement, and their meals during the program
Chaperone Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of each Series Chaperone is to lead and have oversight for (supervise) approximately 15 assigned Finalists participating in the program. Additional responsibilities include:
Pre-Program:
- Obtain the required travel documents; non-Australian citizens will require a passport and visa
- Attend training conference call
- Complete background database check
- Provide information for “Chaperone Profile” to be sent to students
- Contact each participant to introduce yourself and review program expectations
- Attend program review on Day 1 – Chaperone Meeting
On-Program
- Work closely with program staff and other Chaperones to ensure a smoothly run program
- Assist with greeting students and families on arrival day
- Supervise students and enforce rules of behavior
- Escort students to meals and supervise them closely during meal time
- Attend Finalist activities and touring, including assigned rehearsal (scheduled in advance)
- Oversee Chaperone group as students participate in activities, including at the hotel
- Serve as the point of contact for Finalists
- Know where your students are and account for them at all times
- Inform students of proper behavior and stress consideration for the hotel and venues
- Instruct student to call the emergency office number should they get separated from the group
- Meet Night Chaperones at the hotel in the evening and be available for any issues that arise
- Distribute event tickets
- Assist with last day departures from the hotel
- Have fun and share this amazing experience!
Your Relationship with the Series: If selected as a Chaperone for the Honors Performance Series, you are an independent contractor and not an employee. You are responsible, however, for operating within the parameters set by the Honors Performance Series and its parent company, WorldStrides. These parameters have been designed to promote safety and to maintain the excellent reputation enjoyed by the Honors Performance Series, WorldStrides, and the Chaperone family. As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for the payment of all taxes, workers’ compensation, or any similar type of payment.
Program Itinerary: (tentative and subject to change)
The Series expects Chaperones to supervise Finalists during their time in Sydney. An essential component will include escorting Finalists to meals outside the hotel since meals are not included as part of the program packages.
| Sample Program Itinerary | |
|---|---|
| Day | Activities |
| Tuesday July 30, 2019 |
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| Wednesday July 31, 2019 |
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| Thursday August 1, 2019 |
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| Friday August 2, 2019 |
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| Saturday August 3, 2019 |
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| Sunday August 4, 2019 |
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| Monday August 5, 2019 |
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To apply, complete the online Chaperone Application no later than March 11, 2019.
