Program Dates
Meet your 2026 Conductors
Anton Armstrong
Mar 6-9 | National Youth Choir
Anton Armstrong, Tosdal Professor of Music at St. Olaf College, is also a graduate of the college and longest tenured conductor of the St. Olaf Choir.
Christopher Aspaas
Mar 6-9 | National Youth Choir Celebrates America’s 250th
Christopher Aspaas serves as Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music at Texas Christian University.
Lynne Gackle
Mar 26-29 | National Youth Choir
Lynne Gackle is Associate Professor of Ensembles and Associate Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University, where she conducts the Baylor Bella Voce (Women’s Ensemble) and the Baylor Concert Choir.
Jeffery Ames
Mar 26-29 | National Youth Choir
Jeffery Ames serves as Director of Choral Activities and is a Full Professor within the School of Music at Belmont University.
Lynnel Joy Jenkins
Apr 17-20 | National Youth Choir
Lynnel Joy Jenkins is Artistic Director of the Westrick Music Academy and Choral Teacher at the Timberlane Middle School of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District in New Jersey.
Jeffery Redding
Apr 17-20 | National Multi-Generational Choir
Jeffery Redding is Director of Choral Activities at University of Central Florida, and a 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient.
2027 Season
Meet your 2027 Conductors
Greg Gilpin
Mar 4-7 | National Youth Choir
Greg Gilpin is a celebrated ASCAP award-winning choral composer and arranger, a highly respected choral conductor, producer and musician in the recording industry, and Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, a distinguished choral publisher.
Jeffery Redding
Mar 4-7 | National Multi-Generational Choir
Jeffery Redding is Director of Choral Activities at University of Central Florida, and a 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient.
McKenna Stenson
Apr 2-5 | National Youth Choir
McKenna Stenson is Assistant Professor of Choirs and Music Education at Florida State University. Prior to her appointment at FSU, Stenson served as Assistant Professor on faculty at the University of Kansas (KU) where she served as Associate Director of Choral Activities, and conducted the KU Glee Club and Oread Singers.
André Thomas
Apr 2-5 | National Youth Choir
Associate Artist with the London Symphony Orchestra and Emeritus Professor of Music at Florida State University, Dr. Thomas previously served as Visiting Professor of Choral Conducting at Yale University and has been a faculty member at the University of Texas.
Jessica Nápoles
Apr 9-12 | National Youth Choir
Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of North Texas, Dr. Nápoles teaches undergraduate coursework in choral methods, conducts the Concert Choir, and mentors graduate students in research.
Overview
Students experience the thrill of a lifetime performing in the Festival at Carnegie Hall with the National Youth Choir! In New York, they’ll rehearse and perform with other outstanding choral groups from across the country under the leadership of an internationally known conductor. This inspiring program includes admission to the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, and a Broadway show.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to New York City
Orientation Session
Get your bearings with a brief orientation session and then hit the town! We can help you select the best dinner option for your group.
Broadway show performance
Experience a world-famous Broadway show and feel the energy of New York City’s theatre scene. Immerse yourself in dazzling performances of music, dance, and storytelling, and create memories that'll last long after the final curtain.
Day 2
Rehearsal
Start rehearsing with your renowned conductor, who will help perfect the music for your big performance at Carnegie Hall. Students will also connect with peers from across the nation while coming together to sing in harmony.
Empire State Building & Observatory visit
Soaring above the Manhattan skyline, the Empire State Building is a masterpiece of Art Deco design and one of the world’s tallest structures. Ride to the top for sweeping views of New York’s skyscrapers, parks, and rivers—a breathtaking panorama that captures the city’s unmistakable energy.
Day 4
Depart for home
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Feedback clinics led by professional performers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Recent New York & Carnegie Hall Programs
Health & Safety
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
