STERN AUDITORIUM + PERELMAN STAGE at
CARNEGIE HALL
March 2025
An Unmatchable Experience
Carnegie Hall’s unparalleled grandeur has enchanted performers and spectators alike for over 100 years. Director’s Choice provides the most accessible opportunity for student performance groups to cross this esteemed stage with the Premier Performance Invitational. Performing in this internationally-acclaimed venue allows your students to taste world-class prestige and excellence.
“Getting to Carnegie Hall, the kids learned that nothing is impossible.
During the process, they became better people, better musicians and
became that band that I dreamed about leading in college.”
Stan Mauldin, Seguin High School Band
FAQ | Rules + Guidelines | Application
The Director’s Choice Premier Performance Invitational selection committee meeting is scheduled as needed when applications are received. Your application packet will be reviewed at the selection committee meeting. All applicants that submit an application will be notified immediately following the meeting.
No. The only adjudication portion of the Premier Performance Invitational is the application process. Once selected, ensembles are encouraged to focus on presenting the best possible musical performance without regard for the competitive element of musical selections.
Performance times will be assigned 60 days prior to performance.
The package price does not include any transportation.
For the performance, groups must wear uniforms or concert dress.
Directors’ Choice will arrange for each performing ensemble to listen to another performing ensemble. This ensures every group will perform for a knowledgeable and respectful audience.
Due to Carnegie Hall’s strict licensing agreements, it is not possible to sell media of any type from the concert performance. Each ensemble will receive an archival DVD and an archival onstage photograph. Duplication of the archival media is prohibited.
Due to Carnegie Hall’s strict licensing agreements, it is not permissible to video or photograph inside the auditorium.
No, the 40 minute window can only be utilized by one ensemble. However, we do provide a 3 hour package which can be utilized as a feature performance for a school of music or music program to be shared as desired.
Only choral ensembles will be allowed more than 80 performers.
No, the backstage room you will be assigned is a pre-concert gathering area for each ensemble, but is not set up nor large enough to utilize as a dressing room. Each ensemble needs to arrive at the hall in concert dress.
Digital Recording:
We can accept digital recordings using the following methods:
The recording sampling rate should be 44.1 kHz and greater than 192 kbps. Note that over compression of .mp3 files will greatly diminish recording quality. Please include: Track Number, Title, Movement, Composer, and Arranger of each selection. Each selection must be a continuous performance which was recorded at a concert, festival, or contest. Multi-movement works must be recorded from a continuous performance. Recordings should not be edited after the performance except to remove announcements and introductions. Engineering, editing, or tampering with the recording in any way is not allowed. The recording should represent a fairly recent recording of the ensemble and the director that is applying to the Premier Performance Invitational.Music Requirements:
Educating:
While most Americans have heard of Carnegie Hall, many do not know why a performance in this venue is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Educate your students and community in regard to this amazing venue. Encourage them to research the history of the hall and the musicians that have performed on its stage.
Programming:
Each ensemble will be given 40 minutes to perform their entire concert program. This time includes an onstage warm-up, special tuning, breaks between movements, and time between selections. There will be a 10-20 minute set change between ensembles. Note: this applies to the 40 minute concert package. More customization is allowed in the 3 hour package.
Creating the perfect program for a Premier Performance Invitational performance is a task that demands careful consideration. As a general rule, a thoughtful conductor will select a program:
In addition, it is important to consider the duration of your program based upon the ability level and endurance of the performers.
Without the rules and restraints of a traditional music contest or festival, you are encouraged to explore exciting options such as featuring a soloist (student or professional) or having a composition commissioned for the ensemble.
Without the rules and restraints of a traditional music contest or festival, directors are encouraged to explore these inclusions.
The Premier Performance Invitational at Carnegie Hall includes:
Equipment Provided in Premier Performance Invitational at Carnegie Hall package:
All other equipment and accessories are the responsibility of the performing ensemble. Students assume all responsibility for bringing sticks, beaters and mallets.
Director’s Choice Performance Events team can assist with the rental of additional instruments if notified at least 90 days prior to event. Additional instruments are not covered in the Premiere Performance Invitational at Carnegie Package.
Additional large instruments and percussion equipment will be assigned specific load-in times to meet load-in and performance schedule. Load-in/load-out of large instruments will be handled by Carnegie Hall stagehands.
All audience members, including performers, must have a ticket for the concert. Tickets for performers, conductors, guest artists and backstage chaperones are included in the performance package and do not need to be purchased separately. Any non-performers and guests with the group will receive a complimentary ticket, if request is received by Director's Choice on or before December 1. We will not accept requests for additional tickets after December 1. Additional tickets may be purchased online or from the box office on the day of the concert.
Publicity:Director’s Choice will promote and advertise your performance as follows:
*2024 pricing; 2025 concert date & pricing coming soon
The undersigned customer and Director’s Choice (provider) hereby enter this contract and agree to the following terms and conditions, including terms, conditions and selections indicated on the attached package form:
Cancellation:
All cancellations must be made in writing via email by the client. Upon receipt of written email notification of cancellation, refund of production charges will be applied as follows:
Time Period* | Package Cancellation |
120-90 days prior to performance | 50% of package price less non-refundable application fee and deposit |
90 days to performance | 100% of package price | No refunds will be made. |
No-show | 100% of package price | No refunds will be made. |
Application fee + deposit | Non-refundable |
*The date that written notice of cancellations or changes is received in the Provider’s office and confirmed via email will be the date from which charges will be based.
Responsibility + Liability:
General + Administrative: