7 Best Performance Opportunities for School Orchestras
As far as school music programs go, the band tends to get a lot of attention. Between sporting events, concerts or even competitions, the band enjoys a certain amount of popularity. As a result, the orchestra and its talented musicians can occasionally be overlooked. School orchestras are comprised of students who are gifted in their own rights – and in more ways than one! It’s time to share the spotlight with seven of the best performance opportunities for school orchestras!
Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna
For a truly unforgettable experience, the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria, is one of the premier performance opportunities for youth orchestras worldwide. Held annually in the city known as the “Capital of Music,” the festival welcomes orchestras, bands, and choirs from around the globe.
Participants perform in legendary venues including Vienna’s famed Golden Hall of the Musikverein and the Wiener Konzerthaus while engaging in workshops, cultural exchanges, and educational opportunities led by internationally respected music professionals. Ensembles may choose either a competitive or non-competitive festival experience, making Summa Cum Laude an exceptional option for directors seeking a meaningful blend of performance, education, and international travel.
For many student musicians, performing in Vienna represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the rich musical traditions associated with composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms while connecting with peers from around the world.
Manhattan Concert Productions
For orchestras seeking a performance experience a little closer to home, Manhattan Concert Productions offers opportunities to perform on some of America’s most prestigious stages. Through programs like the Symphonic Series, school orchestras receive a private clinic with renowned music educators before taking the stage at legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall. Participating ensembles benefit from expert feedback, inspiring educational experiences, and the opportunity to perform in a setting that elevates both musicianship and confidence.
National Orchestra Festival®
The National Orchestra Festival® is held in conjunction with the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) annual conference each year. Middle and high school youth orchestras from all over the U.S can apply. Categories include competition, ratings and comments, or comments-only. This is an incredible opportunity for your orchestra to receive placement, ratings, comments and instruction from top adjudicators and clinicians.
Festival Disney
Walt Disney World® in Orlando, FL hosts Festival Disney each spring. It’s open to middle and high school orchestras, concert bands and jazz ensembles and historically has been adjudicated by distinguished collegiate music educators. The festival allows for competitive and non-competitive status including ratings, but no rankings or comments only. It’s an amazing performance opportunity for orchestras looking to gain a competitive edge or simply fine tune their skills.
Universal STARS Program
The Universal STARS Performance Program at Universal Orlando Resort is another outstanding option. Student orchestras have the opportunity to perform for park guests while showcasing their musical talents in a professional and energetic environment. In addition to the performance itself, students can enjoy the immersive attractions, themed lands, and behind-the-scenes experiences that make Universal Orlando a favorite destination for music groups.
SoundWaves at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA welcomes students as part of its SoundWaves program. Orchestras take center stage in a unique park performance venue before an international audience. Even better, a designated coordinator will organize your group’s performance so you can focus on the fun.
Festival of Music at Cedar Point
Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH is another fantastic option for your student group. The Festival of Music is an opportunity to perform on site before first-rate adjudicators. They’ll listen, evaluate and comment on elementary, middle and high school orchestras. Each school will then receive a participation award with a rating.
Start Planning Your Orchestra Trip with a Pro
Performance travel gives student musicians the chance to grow artistically, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create lifelong memories. At Kaleidoscope Adventures, we help orchestra directors design customized performance tours that align with their educational goals, budget, and vision, making it easier than ever to provide students with an unforgettable musical experience.
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Updated September 2026
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