Domestic Performing Arts Festivals
Participating in a student performing arts festival gives your ensemble the opportunity to showcase their talents before a distinguished panel of adjudicators while receiving meaningful, real-time feedback. Our on-stage clinics provide targeted guidance to strengthen musicianship, ensemble blend, technique, and overall performance readiness. Students also gain inspiration by observing peer ensembles, discovering new ideas in a positive, supportive, and community-focused festival environment. Each event concludes with a lively Awards Celebration hosted in top festival cities such as Chicago, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Toronto, Orlando, and New York City.
To learn more, please contact our Director of Global Programs & Partnerships, Stephanie Harrington, at Stephanie@TheGlobalCitizenProgram.com or 770-866-3131.
Festival Locations and Dates
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Atlanta – May 8-9
Gatlinburg – April 24–25, May 1–2
Memphis – March 28
Nashville – March 13, April 13, 24, 25 and May 2
New Orleans – March 14, 28 , April 18
New York – March 7, 14, 21, 28 , April 11, 18, 25
Norfolk – April 17–18
Toronto – April 18, 25
Virginia Beach – May 1–2
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Boston – April 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 24–25
Chicago – April 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 23–24
Myrtle Beach – April 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 23–24
New York – April 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 24–25
Virginia Beach / Williamsburg – April 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 23–24
Washington, DC – April 3, 10, 17, 24
Sample Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Arrive in your selected festival destination and meet your Tour Manager, who will guide your ensemble through a dynamic and inspiring performance weekend. After settling into your hotel, begin exploring the city’s signature sights—historic neighborhoods, waterfronts, arts districts, or major cultural landmarks that reflect the city’s unique rhythm. Enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner and an evening activity or stroll that helps everyone unwind and connect. This first night sets the stage for a weekend filled with artistry, teamwork, and celebration.
Day 2: City Exploration & Ensemble Rehearsal
Begin the day with breakfast before diving deeper into the city’s culture. Sightseeing options may include museums, gardens, markets, theaters, monuments, or hands-on experiences that highlight the region’s artistic identity. In the afternoon, your ensemble may choose to participate in a Master Class clinic at a local university or performing arts institution. Led by collegiate faculty or working musicians, this session sharpens ensemble blend, technique, and expression—offering students meaningful artistic guidance before festival day. The evening is flexible and may include a group dinner, a show, or time to explore the city.
Day 3: Festival Performance & Awards Celebration
Today is the centerpiece of your trip. Take the stage as your ensemble performs for a distinguished panel of festival adjudicators. Groups receive detailed written feedback along with an on-stage clinic, where clinicians offer targeted guidance to enhance musicianship, ensemble unity, and interpretive skills. Between events, enjoy time to cheer on other ensembles, explore the venue, or reflect with your group. In the evening, come together for the festive Awards Ceremony, celebrating the hard work, achievements, and artistry of all participating ensembles. Expect applause, proud smiles, and memorable photo moments.
Day 4: Departure & Lasting Memories
After breakfast and hotel checkout, enjoy a final group activity or walk through the city depending on your flight schedule. Depart for home with new skills, stronger ensemble bonds, and lasting memories from a festival experience filled with growth, music, and community.
What’s Included:
Roundtrip airfare or motorcoach transportation
Conveniently located hotels
Full-time local GCP Program Director
Private transportation to all included activities
Breakfast and dinner daily
All scheduled attractions, activities, and entrance fees
Festival performance
Written and digitally recorded adjudicator comments
On-stage interactive clinic following your performance
Awards Ceremony
Director’s Festival Guide and Gift
Guided sightseeing with expert local guides
All tips and gratuities (guides, drivers)
24/7 on-program support & emergency assistance
All taxes and mandatory fees
Global Citizen Certificate of Completion
Online pre-travel preparation meetings for students & families
