EVENT DETAILS
Itinerary
Meet our Guest Conductors

Dr. Sarah McKoin serves as Director of Bands, Professor of Music, and Chair of the Conducting and Ensembles Area at Texas Tech University, where she leads the graduate conducting program and oversees a vibrant and comprehensive band curriculum. Under her...
Dr. Sarah McKoin serves as Director of Bands, Professor of Music, and Chair of the Conducting and Ensembles Area at Texas Tech University, where she leads the graduate conducting program and oversees a vibrant and comprehensive band curriculum. Under her direction, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble has been featured at prestigious events including The Midwest Clinic, Texas Music Educators Association, North American Saxophone Alliance, College Music Society, and CBDNA conferences. Her ensembles are featured on commercial recordings with Naxos, Albany, and Mark Records, including the world premiere recording of Chen Yi's Suite for Cello and Wind Ensemble, a project praised widely for both its artistic merit and execution. One reviewer noted, "The playing of the Texas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble is strikingly good, even in the complexities Chen poses." Additionally, she premiered the recorded version of Narong Prangcharoen's Chakra on his debut commercial release, Phenomenon, a collection featuring works for piano, strings, orchestra, and winds. A passionate advocate for contemporary music and education, Dr. McKoin has collaborated with some of today's most significant composers and artists, including Viet Cuong, Michael Daugherty, Michael Colgrass, John Mackey, Steven Stucky, Nicole Piunno, Will Healy, David Biedenbender, Steven Bryant, Lindsey Kesselman, Joseph Lulloff, and the Aruna Saxophone Quartet, among others. Recent recordings of Cuong's Deciduous and Second Nature, performed with the Aruna Saxophone Quartet, can be heard on the composer's website as reference performances. Highly sought as a guest conductor and clinician, Dr. McKoin's work has taken her across the United States and internationally to Australia, Canada, China, Thailand, Taiwan, and Israel, where she served as producer for the world premiere recording of Roberto Sierra's Fantasia Correliana with the Castellani-Andriaccio Guitar Duo and the Israeli Chamber Orchestra. She regularly teaches at the Interlochen Arts Academy and recently joined the faculty for Music in the Marche, a summer opera training program in Mondavio, Italy, where she is launching a new chamber music initiative for instrumentalists. Prior to her appointment at Texas Tech, Dr. McKoin held positions at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Fredonia, and the Brevard Music Center. She is a Yamaha Master Educator, a past President of the Southwest Division of the College Band Directors National Association, and former President of the Big 12 Band Directors Association. Her professional affiliations include the American Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, and Pi Kappa Lambda. She also serves as faculty sponsor for the service fraternities Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

Active as a conductor, string pedagogue, and editor, Chung Park teaches at St. Olaf College, leading the St. Olaf and Philharmonia Orchestras and teaching courses in conducting. He has also led orchestra programs at the University of Central Florida, Appalachian...
Active as a conductor, string pedagogue, and editor, Chung Park teaches at St. Olaf College, leading the St. Olaf and Philharmonia Orchestras and teaching courses in conducting. He has also led orchestra programs at the University of Central Florida, Appalachian State University, Idaho State University and the University of North Dakota. Dr. Park regularly leads clinics and honor orchestras nationwide, with recent and future engagements in California, Kansas, Florida, New York, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. Bärenreiter-verlag has recently published his edition of J.S. Bach’s Cello Suites in a transcription for viola, the first such edition for the preeminent international publisher. Park earned his doctorate in instrumental conducting from the University of Miami, and holds M.M. degrees in orchestral conducting (University of Illinois) and viola performance (Western Michigan University), and a B.M. in viola performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. A lifelong learner, he has continued his education through activities that include studying Dalcroze-Eurythmics, staying abreast of the latest cognitive research, working with master pedagogues such as Marianne Ploger and attending seminars on diversifying the repertoire at the Brevard Music Center. Dr. Park also spent a transformative semester in Hannover, Germany as a private student of Hatto Beyerle, founding violist of the Alban Berg Quartet. Dr. Park believes passionately that music and music education can be a powerfully positive force in a young person’s life and has dedicated a significant portion of his career to supporting music in public schools. He has served on advisory committees, has led several hundred clinics during his time in higher education, is a mentor to young teachers and a resource to established teachers.
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."
Lynda Hasseler, Director of Choral Activities
Pearl Shangkuan
"The artistic and educational goals that drive MCP events are always clearly evident and greatly appreciated."
Pearl Shangkuan, President
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"
Anthony Trecek-King, Guest Conductor
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."
Everett Yamashita
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."
David Merrill
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."
Robert Vogel
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."
Kelly Mclaughlin
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."
David Wallis
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!"
Thomas Bookhout
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."
Dr. Edie Copley
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."
Caleb Pillsbury
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."
Rick Bjella
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!"
Singer
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!"
Judith Leopold
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."
Glenn Block
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."
Maia Zander
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."
Ruthie Tutterow
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."
Maureen Callan
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!"
Carol Thomas Downing
Student
"Walking out onto stage for the first time is just a breathtaking experience. A moment that cannot be forgotten."
Student
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."
Robert Vogel
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. "
Timothy Mahr
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.
