Kids on Stage
Kids on Stage is a FREE comprehensive program that provides middle and high school students access to the professional performance process from the first audition to the final note.
Rehearsals are led by Brian Worsdale (Director, Kids on Stage), with the experience culminating onstage at Carnegie Hall alongside The New York Pops musicians at our annual Birthday Gala, led by New York Pops Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke.
We are also thrilled to continue our conducting apprenticeship, giving up to four lucky high school junior and senior music students the chance to study the many facets of conducting, learn from master teachers, as well as observe and participate in rehearsals.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Kids on Stage in-person Auditions have been canceled due to the upcoming blizzard. We have moved them to video submissions only. If you didn’t receive any notifications, please email us at ganling.chu@nypops.org or call at 212-765-7677.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applicants must be available on the following dates:
- Auditions – Sunday, February 8, 2026 (anytime from 11AM-5PM)
- Group Activity – Thursday, March 12, 2026 (Conducting Apprentices only) (students will need to be released from school early)
- Group Activity – Friday, March 13, 2026
- First rehearsal – Sunday, March 15, 2026 (12-3PM)
- Second rehearsal – Sunday, March 22, 2026 (12-3PM)
- Third rehearsal – Sunday, March 29, 2026 (12-3PM)
- DATE CHANGE: Fourth rehearsal – Saturday, April 18, 2026 (Steven Reineke, guest conductor) (12-3PM)
- Fifth rehearsal – Sunday, April 26, 2026 (12-3PM)
- GALA rehearsal and performance – Monday, April 27, 2026 (students will need to be released from school early to attend dress rehearsal at Carnegie Hall)
Audition materials for the 2025-2026 Kids on Stage program are available below:
Woodwinds
Brass
Percussion
Strings
Conducting Apprenticeship Packet
Eligibility
Kids on Stage is open to NYC middle school students in Grades 6-8, and the Conducting Apprenticeship is open to high school students in Grades 11-12.
Quotes from past participants
“I really appreciate being in this amazing program with talented musicians. I had a great time and loved all the rehearsals… I told my band teacher about how we were very much inspired by The New York Pops. The professional artists were so kind, which made me enjoy playing with them,” – Brianna, saxophone student
“The New York Pops Conducting Apprenticeship not only gave me incredible experiences but also instilled in me a passion for conducting that will continue to drive me forward… This experience expanded my horizons, and I am eternally grateful for the metamorphic chance it provided in my life,” – Serena Ekram Khan, conducting apprentice
“Chase came home Monday night inspired and elated. The New York Pops percussion musicians were especially kind and gracious with their time answering Chase’s questions and showing him the ropes. ‘Try to stand out and above all, make the conductor happy’ were his takeaways! Our sometimes shy and nervous kid came home Monday night with a sense of calmness and confidence. He often says, ‘I found my people,’” – Jyoti H., parent of percussion student Chase
Kids on Stage is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.