Kids on Stage

Kids on Stage
For 2021, The New York Pops (TNYP) has adapted its Kids on Stage program to align with the current climate of remote learning. Now in its 8th year, approximately one hundred students audition for Kids on Stage annually, and we intend for 2021 to be no exception to what has become somewhat of a "rite of passage" for New York City music students.
Kids on the Virtual Stage is a FREE comprehensive program that introduces middle school students to the professional virtual performance process from preparing an audition video to participating in the production of a professional video performance.
See the May 2020 Kids on the Virtual Stage performance of "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" here.
In 2021, following an application and audition process, 22 students will be selected to participate in:
- Five virtual coachings with TNYP musicians and PopsEd Teaching Artists, including one with New York Pops Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke
- Q&A sessions with industry professionals
- Professionally edited and produced video performance
- Opportunity to be awarded one of ten scholarships to French Woods Festival for the Performing Arts summer camp (should health regulations allow)
Eligibility
Kids on the Virtual Stage is open to all New York City residents currently enrolled in middle school (grades 6, 7 or 8). All sessions will be virtual. Students will need to have access to Zoom application and reliable internet to participate.
Quotes from 2020 Participants
“This program has broadened my love for music, it was very interesting and will definitely help me get somewhere later in life with a professional career in music. This was my first time making a recording, and it was truly amazing.” – Maya Estevez, trombone student
“Learning remotely taught me how to record better and how to create footage that is usable and easy to edit.” – Leo Oiwa, violin student
“We’re so grateful for keeping the kids engaged in such a crazy time. Millie loved being connected to professional musical mentors.” – Susie Shuttleworth, parent of horn student Millie Tomppert
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.