YOUNG ADULT | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Program Planning
Review everything you need to prepare for your program and time 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
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. This option additionally includes transportation between SYD Airport and the Series hotel on arrival and departure. Group Flight participation is 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.
If you choose not to participate in the Honors Group Flight, the flight times below are recommended in order to be on time to all scheduled activities. Please note that, if you do not sign-up for the Group Flight, transportation between the airport and the Series hotel is not provided and all participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation.
Traveling to Sydney: Finalists (and Family Program participants, only if selecting the Full Access program) should plan to arrive in Sydney on the morning of July 31, 2019 between 7:00a and 11:00a. 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.
Departing for Home: Flights should depart for home anytime on August 5. Check out is in accordance with hotel policies which is generally around 10:00a. If you need to arrange a late check-out, please do so onsite with the hotel staff. We do not have any activities scheduled on August 5, but you will have a full day of scheduled activities the day before, so taking a flight out that night is not recommended.
Please contact the Series before booking travel plans outside of these designated windows so we can confirm your desired plans do not conflict with required activities. All participants will be required to share their travel arrangements with the Series.
Series Hotel and Rooming
Honors Performance Series Hotel: Finalists and registered Family Program Participants will stay at the Mercure Sydney (818 - 820 George Street, Chippendale Sydney NSW 2008). The Mercure hosted our High School program in 2018 and is conveniently located adjacent to the Central Railway Station in downtown Sydney.
Honors Performance Series Rooming: Unless requested otherwise, Finalists will be rooming three to a room. 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, 2018, 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 three 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 December 28.
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 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 November 30. Room upgrades elected and/or paid for after December 28 will be arranged on a space-available basis.
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. 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.
