Youth Choir Series
Experience our Youth Choir Series for qualified choirs with unchanged voices. Singers will collaborate on a distinctive variety of six shorter works alongside a renowned guest conductor, collaborative piano and fellow young musicians. Festival repertoire, to be prepared before arrival, is chosen by guest conductors and the expert musicians of Manhattan Concert Productions.
Performance Opportunities
Alex Gartner
Alex Gartner is the Artistic & Executive Director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC). Under his leadership since 2016, PCC’s programs have expanded to include 14 unique choirs and unique musical initiatives that spread music throughout Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama through innovative means of performance, creativity, and collaboration. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Gartner previously served as the Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Youth Choir. He is an active composer, clinician, and conductor. He has led all-state and regional honor choirs and led presentations throughout the United States, and his choirs have performed in esteemed concert halls across the country and internationally in China, Italy, Costa Rica, and Ireland. A prominent advocate for the arts in the United States, he presently serves on the national Advocacy & Collaboration Standing Committee of the American Choral Directors Association and previously served on the Arts Education Advisory Committee for Americans for the Arts. He is the co-author of The Business of Choir: A Choral Leader’s Guide for Organizational Growth, a resource for choir directors who seek to expand the scope and scale of their choral programs. Mr. Gartner earned his Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida, where he conducted research to identify successful methods to develop musicianship within the performance-driven environments among successful and respected children’s and youth choirs. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude and was the recipient of the 2012 John Leman Award for Outstanding Choral Leadership. He also holds a certificate in Arts & Culture Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice. Mr. Gartner has been recognized by Pensacola’s Inweekly as a Rising Star in 2017 and as Best Community Leader in 2023.
Philip Brown
Philip Brown is the director of vocal music activities at Liberty High School (MO). Additionally he looks forward to collaborations and projects with the Allegro Youth Choirs of Kansas City. He graduated summa cum laude from Bethany College (KS), majoring in K-12 music education and vocal performance. He later received his M.M. degree in music education from Northern Arizona University.
Before returning back to Missouri, Philip started his school teaching in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado (Arvada West High School). Then in Minnesota, he taught at 4 different high schools in the twin cities area over the course of twenty years. Additionally, he spent 15 years conducting the high school choirs with the Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs organization.
Philip was honored as the 2011 ACDA-MN Young Director of the Year. He was selected as the Director of Note for Minnesota by Choral Director Magazine in 2012. In 2013 he received the VocalEssence/ACDA-MN Creative Programming Award for his repertoire philosophy and programming. Philip was named the Bethany College (KS) Gold Award recipient in 2015 and was the Winner of the Youth Choir Conducting Division for The American Prize 2016, and again in 2020. He was the featured community member in the Eden Prairie Lifestyle Magazine for 2020. He conducted the Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs – Treble Singers at the 2019 National ACDA Conference in his hometown of Kansas City, and the Cantanti Singers at the 2025 National ACDA Conference in Dallas.
His choral groups have been selected for performances at state, regional, and national conferences for ACDA, NAfME, and Chorus America. Choirs under his conducting have collaborated with the Minnesota Oratorio Society, Minnesota Choral Artists – The Singers, Great Northern Union, VocalEssence, Northern Lights Chorale, Cantus, National Lutheran Choir, Singers in Accord, and multiple university choirs. His choirs have consistently received superior ratings, best in class awards, and grand sweepstakes awards at various music festivals and competitions.
Philip has given presentations and clinics on: rehearsal techniques that energize and engage singers, small ensemble singing strengthening the full ensemble, incorporating technology in the music rehearsal, student-driven assessments, and commissioning new choral works. He is an active clinician and guest conductor (philip.brown@lps53.org). He is professionally affiliated with ACDA and NAfME, and is the High School Repertoire & Resource chair for ACDA.
Melissa Keylock
Melissa Trevino Keylock serves as Artistic Director and Program Manager of the San Diego North Coast Singers. She taught eleven years at the Princeton Girlchoir, and previously worked at the American Boychoir School, Rider University, and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. She has taught public and private school, and throughout her career, Melissa has served in state and regional leadership positions with the American Choral Directors Association. She holds an undergraduate degree from Wheaton College and a Master of Music from Butler University, where she studied with Henry Leck, and directed the Butler University Women’s Glee Club. Melissa completed her Kodály studies at Capital University and is listed in Who’s Who in American Women. She is a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher and group fitness instructor. She and co-writer Jill Friedersdorf have published over thirty compositions with Chorister’s Guild, ECS Publishing Group, Colla Voce, ICC Publishing, and Hal Leonard Publishing.
Mrs. Keylock was honored to guest conduct at the Ohio All-State, Midwest Regional ACDA Children’s Choir, Georgia All-State, North Carolina All-State 6th Grade, ILMEA District 9 Junior High, NY ACDA NYSSMA, PMEA District 7 Song Fest, Kentucky All-State Children’s Chorus, NJ Elementary Honor Choir, CNJ Intermediate Jr High, Youth Creating Harmony, Norman (OK) Children’s Choir Festival, Maryland Young Voices, Piedmont Invitational, Howard County Gifted & Talented Festival, Music in the Parks adjudicator, Bucks County Music Festival, Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians (WI), Let Freedom Sing National Girlchoir Festival, 1st Coast Honors Choir Festival, NC Sings!, Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians, Appleton Boychoir clinic, Pennsylvania Elementary Song Fest, 7 regions of Circle the State With Song in Indiana, and serve as Artist in Residence at The Peck School. Upcoming engagements include NY-ACDA in August 2025, 1st Coast Honors Choir Festival in January 2026, and Manhattan Concert Productions at Carnegie Hall, March 2026.
Package Informations
Package Informations about Master works series and Octavo serieses listed below.
Package Information
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Lynda Hasseler
"I appreciate all the countless behind the scenes details that you are constantly managing for so many people. I am grateful to you and for all you do."
Pearl Shangkuan
"The artistic and educational goals that drive MCP events are always clearly evident and greatly appreciated."
Anthony Trecek
"Throughout the weekend, I felt cared for and couldn't help but notice how it was impeccably organized. Once again, please accept my heartfelt thanks to you all and the rest of the MCP team for making this exceptional experience possible"
Everett Yamashita
"As a repeat performing group, I continue to enjoy the professionalism and excellence in quality. The guest clinicians have always been great to work with and the students take away a lot from them. Having the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall is every serious musician's dream, so to be able to have high school students experience performing in such a legendary hall is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and MCP has always made the experience special for our students and directors."
David Merrill
"I am thoroughly exhausted today, but I'm very happy and satisfied. I really feel like this trip is a turning point for how I view band trips. To be honest with you, it's hard to plan a Disney Trip after this when I see what potential there is out there for some grand musical experiences. This was the first trip where I really felt that music was the most important aspect; usually the destination is first and foremost. I do think this will forever change the way I view our trips."
Robert Vogel
"From first conversations with MCP representatives through follow-up communications after the trip, it has been clear that MCP is a first-class organization. Students stayed in a fabulous NYC hotel in the heart of Times Square, expressed sincere appreciation for the instruction provided by a terrific clinician, and benefitted greatly by performing in Carnegie Hall. MCP representatives were always available and extremely helpful and knowledgeable in planning meals and activities to meet our needs and preferences. This truly was a life-changing experience for students and tremendously beneficial to our music program and community."
Kelly Mclaughlin
"Oh my! There aren't enough good things to say! The professionalism and quality of all aspects of the event were beyond measure. As an educator, I truly felt valued and appreciated by MCP. Hearing my students sing in such a prestigious venue made my heart soar."
David Wallis
"Our Carnegie Hall concert experience was exceptional. The staff did an amazing job of walking us through the planning process, of having logistics locked down and prepared for us, and of ushering us through the concert all the while meeting the needs of the Carnegie staff. Thoroughly professional and knowledgeable, MCP proved they are excellent at presenting wonderful opportunities."
Thomas Bookhout
"In my opinion, Manhattan Concert Productions is the very best company of its type. From the outstanding guest conductors, the venues, and the quality of the performance, to the preparation, organization, and helpfulness of the staff (who all are choral musicians themselves), I cannot imagine how this could have been a better event for my singers! Thank you, MCP!"
Dr. Edie Copley
"Thanks for a wonderful experience in New York at Carnegie Hall! I so appreciated the entire staff for their attention to detail, and their friendly and efficient manner. I am so thankful you asked me to do this. It was a truly memorable event in my career."
Caleb Pillsbury
"What sets this performance experience as exemplary is the combination of outstanding conductors, the finest repertoire, and world-famous venues; it really is the trifecta. Combine this with a production company who knows all the details a director needs and is ready with answers to all questions. Directors will find that their collaboration with MCP will enrich their students with a superlative performance experience."
Rick Bjella
"MCP is remarkable in their attention to detail and to people that others ignore. They have a strong dedication to musical excellence as well. From Craig Arnold to the rest of his colleagues - all are the finest of people and terrific musicians who understand the difficulties having lived in the real world. They are organized and generous human beings that will go out of their way to make this a remarkable experience for all involved."
Singer
"I can't say enough positive things about the opportunity to participate in a residency with MCP. Everything from the beginning invitation to participate all the way to the last minute of the experience at the afterparty was full of memory-making moments to last a lifetime. Can't wait to do another one very soon!"
Judith Leopold
"I would urge conductors to bring their ensembles to MCP. After 40 years of teaching and traveling with my choirs to festivals and competitions, I can unhesitatingly say our repeated experiences with MCP far exceed any other!"
clinician
"The clinician was fabulous. He was able to bring out the best of the musicians in a short time"
Glenn Block
"MCP continues to set the bar for quality tours and musical concert experiences for secondary and university ensembles searching for an unforgettable music experience. Their director and staff are all dedicated to providing rewarding experiences that provide excellent performing opportunities in some of the nation's finest concert halls."
Maia Zander
"MCP is an extremely well-run company that made every aspect of this trip and performance as smooth as possible. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, and they made this residency a life-changing experience for my students."
Ruthie Tutterow
"MCP did a phenomenal job in preparing what was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us who went on the trip."
Maureen Callan
"This is an excellent organization. Timely, friendly communication, excellent repertoire, conductors, and venues. The best festival organization I have worked with. I highly recommend MCP."
Carol Thomas Downing
"Go to New York ... but only with MCP! The best conductors, the best service, the best hotels, competitive pricing, and the best venue - Carnegie Hall! In a word, MCP is tops!"
Student
"Walking out onto stage for the first time is just a breathtaking experience. A moment that cannot be forgotten."
Robert Vogel
"From first conversations with MCP representatives through follow-up communications after the trip, it has been clear that MCP is a first-class organization. Students stayed in a fabulous NYC hotel in the heart of Times Square, expressed sincere appreciation for the instruction provided by a terrific clinician, and benefitted greatly by performing in Carnegie Hall. MCP representatives were always available and extremely helpful and knowledgeable in planning meals and activities to meet our needs and preferences. This truly was a life-changing experience for students and tremendously beneficial to our music program and community."
Timothy Mahr
I've been impressed by the focus within the clinic sessions. It would be easy for the students and conductors to treat the clinic lightly before exploring the city, but MCP engenders an attitude that makes these clinics exciting and meaningful, geared toward heightening the eventual appearance on the concert stage. "
Michael Fleischmann
"MCP's staff was very professional, patient, and easy to work with. As band directors with a million other things going on, it's nice to know that the people working with you on a tour are always there to help! I appreciate how quickly communication moved back and forth between us. It gave me much needed peace of mind during the planning process.
