National
High School Choral Festival
Frequently Asked Questions
Festival Details
When is the next National High
School Choral Festival?
The National High School Choral Festival takes place in the spring of odd-numbered years; the next Festival will take place from April 17–20, 2013. Applications must be postmarked by April 2, 2012, approximately one year in advance of the festival.
How many choirs are
chosen to participate in the festival?
The number of choirs selected
depends on the repertoire for the final concert and the size of the choirs
chosen to participate; we have selected as few as two and as many as four in
the past.
How is the repertoire for the
festival chosen?
Festival repertoire, selected by Carnegie Hall staff, is usually inspired by the artistic themes being explored at the Hall during that performance season. The 2012–13 Festival will center on of a performance of the Mozart Requiem. Each choir will have the opportunity to perform.
How can I receive information
on the National High School Choral Festival?
Please send a request by e-mail
(secondaryschoolprograms@carnegiehall.org) and we will be happy to add you to
our mailing list.
Registration and Payment
How can my school apply for the
National High School Choral Festival?
Applications for the next festival will be
available in December 2011 and must be postmarked by April 2, 2012. We usually
ask for two contrasting selections, one in Latin, one in another foreign
language, but directors are invited to download the application form and review
the specific requirements for that year.
When is the application due
for the National High School Choral Festival?
Applications for the next festival will be available in December 2011 and must
be postmarked by April 2, 2012. When you’re ready to apply, please consult the
application form and National High School Choral Festival webpage, where you
will find detailed instructions.
When are festival choirs notified of
their acceptance?
Those choirs selected to participate in the 2013 National High School Choral
Festival will be notified by June 15, 2012. All choirs that apply, including
those that are not accepted, will be notified by Carnegie Hall.
Can my school apply every
year?
If your choir is not accepted, we do
encourage you to reapply. In order to accommodate as many choirs as possible,
those that participate in any given year are not eligible to apply for the next
festival.
How much does the National High
School Choral Festival cost?
The festival is free for all
participating choirs. Individual choirs are responsible only for their travel
to New York City and their accommodations and meals while in the city.
Transportation and accommodations for the professional development weekend are
free. Scores are provided for all singers.
National High School Choral Festival
Week
Where can our choir stay in New York
City during the festival week?
Carnegie Hall will provide you with
a list of hotels.
Is it possible for my choir to see
more of Carnegie Hall during the festival week?
We will work with your school and
the Festival schedule to arrange a tour for the students and a small number of
chaperons. Parents and additional chaperons may need to pay for their
participation in a Carnegie Hall tour.
Professional Development Workshops
When is the professional development
workshop for participating directors?
The professional development
workshop for participating directors is usually held in early September. The
location depends on where the conductor lives. Carnegie Hall arranges and pays
for transportation and accommodations.
How do we schedule the in-school
visits by the festival director?
In-school workshops usually take place one to two months in advance of the
Festival, in February or March. Carnegie Hall works closely with schools and
the festival director to schedule times that are convenient for all.