30 day Preparation recordings
Preparation Recording Guidelines
Our festival choruses include singers from various programs. We have found our Preparation Recording process to be very helpful in raising the bar of musicianship for festival choruses. The 30-Day Prep Recording is our way of ensuring a level of consistent preparation so that your well-prepared singers will be joining equally well-prepared singers for the residency.
Our listening committee is not expecting a polished performance, but is expecting relative preparation, aware that you have additional days of rehearsal at home before arriving at the festival chorus. We first listen for correct notes, rhythms, and pronunciation, but encourage you to incorporate composer indications of dynamic contrast from the very start.
Important Points
Upload your recordings via the button at the bottom of the page.
- You will be directed to MCP’s WeTransfer site. In order to efficiently process the thousands of recordings we receive, please include your ensemble name in the message and the titles of the pieces in the file names.
Record all chorus material.
- If your choir will be singing it, please record it. Live performances are great! Make a separate track for each movement or selection. Feel free to omit instrumental or solo passages. Recordings need not come from one session, however we do ask that you upload all recordings at once, rather than in separate batches.
Use appropriate accompaniment.
- You are welcome to use MP3 accompaniment tracks (the accompaniment only track - not the balanced voices track!) or a live accompanist, whichever produces your most musical outcome. We find that successful groups tend to use a live pianist with the director leading the ensemble. Due to limited rehearsal time, our guest conductors do not have time to play notes. Thus, your recordings should avoid this practice as much as possible
- Please do not engage any sound- or pitch-altering software.
Recording Tips
There is no need for commercial quality in your MCP Preparation recordings. However, some simple considerations make it easier to evaluate your submission:
A portable or pocket digital recorder is a great choice, but a phone works well, too.
A note to small ensembles: All singers on the recording need not be traveling with the group. You may find it helpful to recruit additional voices to fill out the ensemble for the recording process. In certain instances, it has proven expedient for very small ensembles to provide recordings from individual sections of singers. If you would like to consider this option, please let us know before proceeding.
Contact Us For Further Details & Pricing
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.