Join Derrick Fox and perform Robert Ray’s seminal work, Gospel Mass. This mass sets the words from the Catholic Mass to the rhythm and harmony of African-American music. The festival chorus will perform with a combo of professional jazz musicians from New York City as part of MCP’s Meno Masterworks Series. Singers will represent a variety of ensembles from across the country.
exciting Itinerary breakdown
Saturday, March 22: Welcome to the Big Apple!
Arrive in vibrant New York City, check into your hotel and settle in for an exciting stay.
Afternoon/Evening: Dive into your first rehearsal setting the stage for your performance.
Sunday, March 23: Discover and Perform
Morning: Kick off with an energizing rehearsal
Afternoon: Experience the magic of Broadway with a must-see show!
Evening: Explore NYC’s iconic sights at your leisure.
Monday, March 24: More Adventure Awaits
Morning: Explore NYC’s iconic sights at your leisure.
Afternoon: Gather for a brush-up rehearsal, followed by a sound check at Carnegie Hall.
Evening: Shine on stage during your concert performance, then celebrate your success at a post-concert buffet reception.
Tuesday, March 25: Farewell NYC!
Depart from New York City, taking home memories that will last a lifetime!
MENO MasterworkS PAckages
A Not-to-Be-Missed Opportunity for Directors Who Demand Excellence!
Festival Chorus Performance: Collaborate with a nationally-recognized guest conductor and a combo of professional jazz musicians.
Iconic Venue: Perform at at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern Auditorium.
Exclusive Extras:
Delight in a post-concert buffet reception—a perfect end to your grand performance.
Utilize professional mp3 part learning tracks for impeccable preparation.
Receive a video archival recording of your unforgettable performance.
Cherish a commemorative framed mini marquee poster, celebrating your ensemble’s achievement.
Honor each performer with a certificate of participation.
Luxurious Accommodations:
Enjoy a three-night stay in the heart of New York City at a prestigious Midtown Manhattan hotel like the Westin Times Square, Sheraton New York, or similar.
New York City Experiences:
Navigate the city like a local with an MTA Transit pass, including two one-way subway or bus rides.
Experience Broadway magic with group tickets to a hit show.
Take in breathtaking views from the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Personalized Support:
Benefit from the dedicated attention of an MCP operations associate to tailor your package details.
Flight coordination support is available through our in-house airline coordinator.
Receive a complimentary one-year membership to the online learning platform, Forward Motion, for the ensemble director.
This is your ensemble's chance to shine on one of the world's most prestigious stages and enjoy an all-encompassing New York City experience. Don't let this opportunity slip away—make your mark in the city that never sleeps!
Elevate your ensemble's experience with a tailor-made event package, perfect for directors coordinating through a tour operator or arranging their own accommodations and activities. This exclusive package features:
Festival Chorus Performance: Take center stage in an exhilarating performance at Carnegie Hall, under the baton of a nationally-renowned guest conductor.
Rehearsal and Sound Check: Prepare for your Carnegie Hall debut with a professional sound check and performance, ensuring a flawless presentation.
Preparation Tools: Enhance your readiness with mp3 part learning tracks designed to fine-tune your performance.
Professional Recordings: Receive a video archival recording of your performance, capturing the magic of your Carnegie Hall moment.
Commemorative Poster: Cherish your experience forever with a custom-framed mini marquee poster of your ensemble.
Certificates of Achievement: Each performer will receive a certificate of participation, commemorating their involvement in this prestigious event.
Exclusive Membership: The ensemble director will benefit from a one-year membership to the Forward Motion online learning platform, offering additional resources and educational opportunities.
Transform your musical journey into an unforgettable adventure with our Event Package, where prestigious venues, professional guidance, and exclusive perks come together to create an unmatched artistic experience.
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Dr. Fox has conducted all state and regional choirs across the United States, led international, national and regional choral concerts/residencies and presented professional development workshops across the United States and internationally. His professional workshops focus on assessment in the choral classroom, building classroom community, rehearsal strategies, choral conducting techniques and shape note singing in the African American community. Dr. Fox has held teaching residencies at the Latvian Academy of Music and Syracuse University and led performance tours through Lithuania and Estonia. Dr. Fox conducted the 2019 National ACDA Middle School/Junior High Mixed Honor Choir and traveled to South Africa as a 2019 ACDA International Conductor Exchange Fellow where he led choral workshops and rehearsals in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Potchefstroom.
As a baritone soloist, Dr. Fox has collaborated with various organizations; among them are the Arkansas Symphony, Lansing Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Columbia Chorale, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha Symphonic Chorus, University of Missouri, Michigan State University, Webster University and the Espaço Cultural (Brasilia, Brazil). He can be heard singing selections from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess on the compact disc In This Hid Clearing, available on the Naxos Classical Music label.
As an author, Dr. Fox has written articles for many organizations and was a contributing author in the Hal Leonard/McGraw Hill choral textbook Voices in Concert. His compositions and arrangements are published by Hal Leonard and Brilee Music. His book, Yes You Can: A Band Director’s Guide to Teaching Choirs is published by Carl Fischer. He launched The Derrick Fox Choral Series with Music Spoke to publish works by and about marginalized and minoritized people. He also partnered with the Country Music Association Foundation to create the Unified Voices for Music Education Initiative which provides learning activities for instrumental and elementary music educators. He is the writer and host of the radio show Reflections of Us, a show focused on amplifying diverse voice in the classical music.
Dr. Fox serves on the advisory board for Sounding Spirit, a research lab and publishing initiative of Emory University’s Center for Digital Scholarship, which promotes collaborative engagement with the songbooks that sound America’s musical landscape.