Honors Performance Series Senior Chaperone - High School

Company Introduction

WorldStrides is the global leader in educational travel and experiential learning. The company was founded in 1967 to provide middle school travel programs to Washington, D.C. and has grown to provide a wide range of programs for more than half a million students annually to over 100 countries around the world. WorldStrides offers experiential learning programs in educational travel, performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service-learning, study abroad, and sports. Each of these experiences helps students to see beyond the classroom and to see the world – and themselves – in new ways.

The Honors Performance Series is an opportunity for elite young musicians to perform together on the world’s greatest stage. Young musicians (“Finalists”) are selected through a competitive audition process to join an ensemble under the baton of a renowned conductor. This 5 day program consists of rehearsals and sightseeing in New York City, before taking the stage for a public performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.

The program runs twice during the year, with one Carnegie Hall performance for High School and one Carnegie Hall performance for Middle School musicians.

This position is hiring for this year's program running February 4-8, 2027, with onsite training starting February 3rd in the afternoon. You are required to be on-site by 3:00 pm on February 3, 2027.

About the Position 

The Senior Chaperone fulfills a very important supervisory role during the Honors Performance Series program. Senior Chaperones supervise a team of Chaperones, who are, in turn, responsible for the engagement, well-being, and positive experience of the Finalists. In collaboration with the program management team and conductors, the Senior Chaperone is responsible for all aspects of ensemble rehearsals, as well as the engagement and safety of all Finalists. 

Responsibilities 

• Supervision & Guidance: Serve as a positive leader, mentor, and role model for Chaperones and program participants (both Finalists and Families). Facilitate daily meetings with Chaperones. Provide responsible and attentive supervision to Chaperones during arrival and departure days, rehearsals, performances, and off-site events in various locations across the city. 

• Safety & Well-being: Create a safe and engaging learning environment for all participants. Ensure the safety, well-being, and appropriate behavior of Finalists at all times, including during travel to, and from, events. Enforce health and safety requirements. Model best practices. 

• Communication: Respond to customer concerns and escalate to program management team for resolution. 

• Attendance Management: Promptly report any unexplained absences from the Chaperones to the program management team. 

• Event Coordination: Organize and coordinate logistics as requested, which includes greeting Finalists and Families on arrival day, distributing event tickets, and assisting with final day departures from the hotel. 

• Emergency Response: Be familiar with, and follow, established emergency procedures, and respond promptly and effectively in case of any emergencies. 

• Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with Finalists, Families, and other members of the team to ensure everyone is well-informed about schedules, expectations, and any updates related to events taking place during the series. 

• Role Model: Serve as a positive role model for Finalists and Chaperones by demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, and a commitment to the program’s values. 

Benefits 

• Opportunity to make a positive impact on Finalists’ musical development and personal growth 

• Accredited pre-program training on operational excellence, instructional methodologies, and participant safety 

• Professional Development Certificate mailed to you upon request after the conclusion of the program 

• Admission to many program activities, such as sightseeing excursions and the final performance 

• Accommodation in a single-occupancy hotel room  

Requirements 

• Previous experience working with the Honors Performance Series (mandatory) 

• Experience as a lead teacher or conductor for a performing ensemble (preferred) 

• Music background in one or more of the program content areas (preferred):  

• Choral  

• Orchestral 

• Band  

• Bachelor’s level education or current student 

• Master’s or higher-level education (preferred) 

• Experience working with High School or Middle School students (preferably in a music-related context) 

• Strong interpersonal, communication, logistical, organization, and customer service skills 

• Ability to set expectations for, and enforce, appropriate student behavior 

• Ability to provide feedback to a team through a formal observation process as well as informal coaching 

• Ability to be composed under pressure, handle challenging situations with tact and diplomacy, and work efficiently in a team environment 

• Availability to work evenings and weekends (as required by the program’s schedule) 

• Available to travel and work on-site during program dates 

• Ability to attend synchronous virtual training session and complete asynchronous training in advance of the program 

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint screen and background check 

• Family members of Finalists are not eligible to be hired for this position