Program Dates
Overview
Perform in a city known for its world-class music venues and artists at the New York Heritage Festival in the Big Apple! Choral and instrumental ensembles will fine-tune their festival set in a private rehearsal room, receive expert instruction and helpful feedback from a panel of renowned adjudicators. Choose from optional adventures like visiting the Statue of Liberty or seeing a Broadway show. An awards ceremony at Riverside Church will be followed by a Circle Line Cruise where dinner comes with a view of the city’s famous skyline.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to New York City
Top of the Rock visit (optional)
The observation deck at Rockefeller Center, known as “Top of the Rock,” is one of New York’s iconic landmarks. Designed to resemble the deck of an ocean liner, it offers visitors stunning 360-degree views of the city.
AIM Experience Master Class (optional)
Start the weekend off on the right note with your own customized master class—the AIM Experience. Spend 60-90 minutes with a professional clinician perfecting your festival performance, fine-tuning your skills, and reaffirming your classroom teachings.
Day 2
First day of festival performances
After arriving at the concert venue, your group will warm up in a private rehearsal room. Each ensemble will have 30-35 minutes on stage. A panel of three adjudicators will provide written and recorded feedback for each performance. Following your performance, a select adjudicator will conduct a mini-clinic on stage with your group, providing valuable feedback and reinforcement for your classroom teachings. Groups will also have the opportunity to participate as an audience for other groups competing—giving your ensemble exposure to their peers.
9/11 Memorial & Museum (optional)
Don’t miss the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site to give your group a chance to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Visit the museum to learn about the men, women, and children who lost their lives that day. Reflect on this national tragedy and Americans’ resilience to come together and rebuild.
Broadway show (optional)
If it sings, dances, laughs, or moves you to tears, you’ll find it on Broadway. From Shakespearean drama to dazzling, high-energy musicals, this legendary stretch of theater lights up the heart of New York City. Experience the thrill of world-class performances on America’s most iconic stage. Your Account Manager will assist you in selecting the perfect show for your group.
Day 3
Continue festival performances
Festival performances will continue throughout the day. Your performance time will be given to you weeks before your event, so you can plan your day accordingly.
Awards ceremony at Riverside Church
Celebrate with new friends and old at your exclusive Awards Ceremony at beautiful Riverside Church. Choirs, orchestras, and bands will be recognized for high scores within their class – plus standout individuals will be recognized for outstanding performances.
Circle Line Cruise
Enjoy dinner and dance the night away on your Circle Line Cruise around the city.
Day 4
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Already Included
Performance in a national festival
Adjudication by a panel of three renowned music professionals
Hotel accommodations
Onstage clinic
Meals and activities (details in itinerary)
Exclusive awards ceremony
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from New York City
Health & Safety
WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.