Why Music Educational Tours of New York City for Your Ensemble

Welcome to the “Big Apple”!

Welcome to the “Big Apple!” Consisting of five boroughs and home to over eight million people, New York is the most densely populated city in the United States. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion, and entertainment. As host to the United Nations Headquarters, the city is also an important center for international affairs.Some of the most talented performers in the world grace New York’s stages each year, performing at venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and on Broadway. The city has long been a thriving home for the jazz, rock, and blues genres, and it is the birthplace of hip hop, freestyle, and disco.Perform in the city’s exciting venues, exchange with local ensembles, and meet people from across the country and abroad. There is something for everyone in the “city that never sleeps!

Performance Opportunities

UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS

The United Nations Headquarters sits on 17 acres along the East River in midtown Manhattan. Though located in New York City, the land it occupies is considered international territory. The United Nations was created with a mission to reaffirm faith in fundamental rights, promote social progress, and save succeeding generations from the scourge of war; representatives from all over the world congregate here to conduct business and work toward their ultimate goal of peace. The United Nations Headquarters welcomes visiting ensembles to perform in its Visitor Center. Share your music with an audience comprised of both tourists and dignitaries from all over the world, and experience firsthand how music is the universal language.

STATUE OF LIBERTY & ELLIS ISLAND

Dedicated on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, has been an icon of freedom, welcoming immigrants arriving by sea from its perch on Liberty Island. Together with nearby Ellis Island, the site of the immigration inspection station that was once the United States’ busiest, the islands form the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Accessible only by ferry service (no private boats may dock on either island), visiting the Statue of Liberty is a must as part of your New York experience. Groups may perform short tribute concerts on the island, honoring the cooperation between nations, and the enduring dedication to liberty for all.

FRIENDSHIP CONCERTS IN NEW YORK CITY

Our friendship concerts are a featured experience on our tours and are at the heart of our mission to foster cultural connections through music. We benefit from a vast international network in the choral world built over our thirty years' experience of helping choirs share their music both in the United States and abroad. Your choir will share a venue and a concert program with a host choir from the region. Your singers will have the chance to hear their host choir's repertoire (often showcasing local musical styles) and to share your own repertoire in turn. Fellowship time usually follows the friendship concert, giving both choirs the chance to mingle and enjoy the camaraderie of creating cross-cultural connections through a shared love of music.

INTERACTIVE BROADWAY WORKSHOPS

Enhance your performance tour of New York City with a customized, interactive Broadway workshop. Your workshop will be tailored to suit your ensemble's needs; choose from a vocal, band, orchestra, musical theater, dance, or acting focus. Your ensemble will be paired with a professional Broadway musician who will share backstage anecdotes, industry insights, and his or her journey to the stage while working with your ensemble to provide a fresh perspective on a piece from their current or past repertoire. A customized Broadway workshop is an excellent opportunity for ensemble members to sharpen skills while interacting with and receiving feedback from talented Broadway professionals.

Sample Itinerary

Here's a recent itinerary we built. Your tour will be customized for your group's size, schedule, and musical goals.

Day 1: WELCOME TO NEW YORK

Enjoy an introduction to New York City with a guided tour of Manhattan. See iconic landmarks including bustling Wall Street, the poignant National September 11 Memorial, and Rockefeller Center.Your tour will end in Times Square, New York's busiest intersection. The energy of midtown Manhattan, with its brilliant Broadway marquees, enormous digital billboards, and flashing neon lights, will set the pace for an exciting tour.Check in to your hotel and take time to relax and refresh. Rehearsal can be arranged this afternoon.Tonight, a welcome dinner is served as your tour manager previews the days ahead.

Day 2: BROADWAY, ELLIS ISLAND, & LADY LIBERTY | WORKSHOP*

Your first full day in New York starts with a Broadway workshop during which you will learn a song and dance from a current Broadway show under the instruction of one of its cast members. Work with your clinician to combine the music, lyrics, choreography, and blocking for a Broadway number in a rehearsal atmosphere.After your workshop, perform a concert in an impressive venue such as the United Nations Headquarters or the 9/11 Museum.Following your performance, embark on a ferry excursion to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Poised at the entrance of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty was the first sight for many immigrants as they approached Ellis Island in pursuit of the American dream. Here, perform a short, a-capella tribute concert.Tonight, tickets to a Broadway show can be arranged for your group - supplement applies.

Day 3: SINGING & SIGHTSEEING IN MANHATTAN | WORSHIP SERVICE*

Start the day at church where your choir will sing for the worship service and enjoy fellowship time with the friendly congregation.Then, a guided tour of Lincoln Center, which encompasses thirty indoor and outdoor performance facilities. Lincoln Center is the home venue of eleven resident arts organization including Jazz at Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet.After your tour, a visit can be arranged to one of the city’s incredible museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With over 5000 years of art and artifacts from around the world, the MET truly offers something for everyone! A venture along the High Line, NYC's modern, elevated West Side boardwalk is a great way to spend the afternoon. Be sure to get lunch from one of the stalls at Chelsea Market nearby! Or, a walk through Central Park, an 843-acre urban oasis located between Manhattan’s Upper West Side and Upper East Side, offers many options for outdoor enjoyment.This evening, a festive farewell dinner at a local establishment such as the famous John's Pizzeria, serving coal-fired brick-oven pizza in the heart of the theater district, rounds out your New York performance on a high note!

Day 4: TOP OF THE ROCK AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER & HEAD HOME

On your last morning in NYC, take a journey to the “Top of the Rock” at Rockefeller Center, an observation deck providing stunning views from 70 floors above. Admire the spectacular skyline from a series of indoor and outdoor viewing terraces and take in s birds-eye view of the city you've gotten to know over the past few days.Later today, depart New York City for home!

Day 5: STROLL THROUGH CENTRAL PARK

Enjoy a stroll through Central Park, New York's green oasis spanning over 840 acres. A guided walking tour of Chinatown or Harlem can also be arranged this morning.Return home with wonderful memories of your concert tour.