Kids on Stage
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.
Applications for the 2022-2023 Kids on Stage program are now closed. Audition music selections are available to download below. Click here to download important program information.
Step one: Download this document, required for all applicants: Audition Requirements
Step two: Musician applicants, download your prepared piece from the instrument selections below:
Woodwinds:
Brass:
Percussion:
Strings:
Eligibility
Proof of vaccination is required to participate. Kids on Stage is open to fully vaccinated NYC middle school students in Grades 6-8, and the Conducting Apprenticeship is open to fully vaccinated high school students in Grades 11-12.
Quotes from 2022 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 Tang, saxophone student
“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 Haimoff, parent of percussion student Chase Haimoff
“Thank you again for providing such a great opportunity for Abigail to learn about what it means to be a conductor. It was a privilege for her to be part of your inaugural class,” – Josephine Hua, mother of Conducting Apprentice Abigail Hua
Click here to see the 2021 Kids on the Virtual Stage videos!
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.