New for 2024/2025! MCP is excited to introduce a brand new opportunity for auditioned high school instrumentalists - individuals or small ensembles. Join musicians from across the United States to form a Manhattan Honors Band, under the direction of Dr. Chad Nicholson from the University of Arizona or Manhattan Honors Orchestra, led by Dr. Chung Park from St. Olaf College.
This exclusive NYC residency, running from March 29 to April 1, 2025, will culminate in a performance at the legendary Carnegie Hall on March 31. Don't miss this unique chance to collaborate, perform, and experience music at one of the world's most iconic venues!
Exciting Itinerary breakdown
Saturday, March 29: Welcome to NYC!
Morning/Afternoon Arrival: Step into the energy of New York City, check into your hotel, your home base for this unforgettable musical journey.
Afternoon/Evening Rehearsal: Kick off your experience with a dynamic rehearsal to start preparing for your Carnegie Hall debut!
Sunday, March 30: Rehearsals & Broadway Magic
Morning/Afternoon Rehearsal: Continue honing your skills with another engaging rehearsal session at the hotel, getting closer to performance perfection.
Afternoon/Evening Broadway Show: Immerse yourself in the excitement of Broadway with a spectacular show—experience the best of NYC’s theater scene!
Monday, March 31: Performance Day at Carnegie Hall
Morning/Afternoon Rehearsal: Finalize your preparation with one last rehearsal at the hotel.
Sound Check at Carnegie Hall: Step onto the legendary Carnegie Hall stage for your sound check—feel the excitement build as you prepare for the performance of a lifetime.
Evening Performance: Shine under the spotlight with an unforgettable concert at Carnegie Hall. Celebrate your incredible achievement with friends and family in the audience!
Tuesday, April 1: Farewell NYC
Departure: Say goodbye to the Big Apple, taking with you memories of an extraordinary musical journey and your Carnegie Hall experience!
This thrilling itinerary combines top-notch rehearsals, iconic NYC experiences, and the prestige of performing at Carnegie Hall—making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Audition Requirements
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Submit two contrasting etudes or solo works that demonstrate the player’s level of technique, range, and musical expression. Also include three major scales (two octaves) which demonstrate tone quality and range capability.
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Submit excerpt(s) of player’s choice, one each on mallet instrument, timpani, and snare drum.
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Submit one or two movements from standard concerto or sonata repertoire that demonstrate contrasting style.
Festival PAckages
A Not-to-Be-Missed Opportunity for Directors Who Demand Excellence!
Festival Chorus Performance: Collaborate with a nationally-recognized guest conductor.
Iconic Venue: Perform at the 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 an audio and 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.
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: For individuals or ensembles with less than 10 participants, get ready to 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 debut at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern Auditorium with a professional sound check, ensuring a flawless presentation.
Percussion: Timpani (4 sizes), concert bass drum, concert snare drum, concert chimes, bells, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba (4.3 octave), & crash cymbal
Professional Recordings: Receive both audio and video archival recordings of your performance, capturing the magic of your Alice Tully Hall moment.
Certificates of Achievement: Each performer will receive a certificate of participation, commemorating their involvement in this prestigious event.
Optional: Add on a Three-night stay at a Midtown Manhattan hotel (Westin Times Square, Hilton New York, Sheraton New York, or similar)
Meet the Guest Conductors
Dr. Chad Nicholson
Manhattan Honors Band Guest Conductor
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Dr. Nicholson’s experiences as a music educator span all ages and ensemble types, including All-State bands, university wind ensembles, and professional groups around the world. Nicholson recently led the Kanto Plain Association of Secondary Schools Honor Band in Tokyo, and Nicholson was the first conductor invited to lead the 2014 Shanghai International School Honor Band. In 2015, he was a member of the distinguished international panel of adjudicators for the All-Chinese Wind Band Contest.
Nicholson has presented twice at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and he was a clinician at the 2016 NAfME National In-Service Conference in Texas. Nicholson is also a regular guest conductor for the Beijing Wind Orchestra, China’s first and oldest professional wind ensemble.
Nicholson holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma (BME), New Mexico State University (MM), and Indiana University (DM).
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Dr. Park’s primary studies were completed at the Peabody Institute and the University of Miami, where he studied conducting under the renowned composer and conductor Thomas Sleeper. 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 Beg 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. He is honored to work with and serve his colleagues at all levels as the North-Central Division Representative on the NAFME council.
Dr. Chung Park
Manhattan Honors Orchestra Guest Conductor