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 2026-2027 Kids on Stage program are open now through December 18:
Applicants must be available for ALL of the following activities
(Please note that the last two overlap with public schools’ spring recess):
- Auditions – Sunday, February 7, 11am-5pm timeframe (applicant to choose specific time)
- Group Activity – Friday, March 5 (call time for Kids on Stage students: 6:00pm; Conducting Apprentices: 4:15pm)
- Rehearsal 1 – Sunday, March 21, 12-3pm
- Rehearsal 2 – Sunday, April 4, 12-3pm
- Rehearsal 3 – Sunday, April 11, 12-3pm
- Rehearsal 4 – Sunday, April 18, 12-3pm (with TNYP Conductor Steven Reineke)
- Rehearsal 5 – Sunday, April 25, (12-3pm or 10:30AM-1:30PM TO BE CONFIRMED)
- GALA rehearsal and performance – Monday, April 26 (students will need to be released from school early to attend dress rehearsal at Carnegie Hall), approximately 12-4pm and 6:30pm call time
Please see important program information linked below:
- Kids on Stage and Conducting Apprenticeship – Frequently Asked Questions
- Kids on Stage 2026-2027 Audition Information
- Conducting Apprenticeship 2026-2027 Information
Questions? Please email us at ganling.chu@nypops.org or call at 212-765-7677.
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.