Carnegie Hall

Application and Payment

How can my school sign up for Link Up?

The process to sign up for Link Up has two parts: the application and the registration / concert selection. The application phase will ask you to submit background information and describe how Link Up fits into your music program’s learning goals for the year. We will review each application and invite accepted schools to then complete the registration / concert selection. In the registration / concert selection phase, links will be sent to accepted schools to select your preferred concert dates and times and submit the final number of students and teachers participating in the program. You will be asked to select a first, second, and third choice of concert date and time.

What is the application timeline for Link Up?

The application for Link Up: The Orchestra Swings opens in late April. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Teachers who have been accepted into the program will receive a notice of confirmation beginning in June. Registration links, through which teachers will select their preferred concert dates and times, will be sent to confirmed schools on a rolling basis beginning in June.

How many teachers can sign up for Link Up through the online application?

If there are multiple teachers at one school who are interested in implementing the curriculum, you must select one teacher to act as the school’s primary contact. Only one representative should apply on behalf of the whole school and indicate other participating teachers in the application. The primary contact will complete the application and, if accepted, will be responsible for maintaining regular communication with Carnegie Hall staff throughout the year. All teachers who implement the program directly with students are considered participating teachers and must attend the required professional development workshops and culminating concert. Additional teachers who attend the concert but are not implementing the curriculum with students directly are considered chaperones.

Do you have to be a music teacher to teach Link Up?

No. However, we recommend that teachers have some basic prior knowledge and/or experience with music. The program includes skills-based work in reading music, singing, and playing the soprano recorder. If you are a general classroom teacher who is interested in participating in Link Up and are not sure if the program is the right fit for you, please call Carnegie Hall at 212-424-2013 or email linkup@carnegiehall.org to speak with one of our staff members.

Why do I need to select a first, second, and third choice for the concert?

Each year, we ask teachers to increase their availability by selecting a first, second, and third choice for concerts. If we have accepted your application into the program but are unable to seat your school for your first-choice concert date, we will automatically attempt to seat your school for your second- or third-choice concert. Please hold all three of your preferred concert dates until you receive confirmation of your concert date and time from Carnegie Hall.

My class size went up or down since I applied. What should I do?

Please note that after materials are shipped, the number of students participating in the program cannot be adjusted. Contact Carnegie Hall staff at 212-424-2013 or linkup@carnegiehall.org with any questions.

How much does Link Up cost?

There is a general fee of $6 per student and $30 per teacher. Schools may bring no more than one chaperone per 10 students, free of charge.

What methods of payment are accepted?

Carnegie Hall can accept payment by:

• personal check
• school check
• cash
• credit card form
• purchase order

When is payment due for Link Up?

Payment for students participating in the program is due by Wednesday, January 31, 2024. For schools paying by purchase order, a copy of the certified purchase order must be submitted by fax to 212-903-0758 or email to linkup@carnegiehall.org.

When will Carnegie Hall confirm that I have been accepted into the Link Up program?

Carnegie Hall will confirm that you have been accepted into the program at the beginning of June on a rolling basis. If you have not yet heard from Carnegie Hall regarding your program status by June 30, please contact Carnegie Hall staff at 212-424-2013 or email linkup@carnegiehall.org.

Professional Development Workshops

I participated in Link Up last year. Do I still need to attend a professional development workshop?

Yes—every participating teacher is required to attend a Link Up professional development workshop regardless of past participation in the program. Teachers who do not attend the required workshop will forfeit participation in the program.

What is the optional winter professional development workshop?

This optional professional development workshop will serve as an additional opportunity to explore the Link Up materials and share best practices with fellow Link Up teachers. It is not a requirement of the program, but we highly encourage you to attend.

Where do the Link Up professional development workshops take place?

Link Up professional development workshops take place in Carnegie Hall’s Resnick Education Wing.

Materials

What are the Link Up materials?

All registered teachers receive a printed copy of the teacher guide, and all students receive a recorder. Printable student activity sheets, audio tracks, videos, and other supplemental resources are available online.

When will I get my Link Up recorders?

In order to receive recorders and teacher guides, participating teachers must attend the mandatory Link Up professional development workshop and complete a professional development workshop evaluation. Participating teachers can expect to receive their recorders two to three weeks after these requirements have been met.

Are there Link Up resources for string teachers?

Yes. Many of the Link Up repertoire selections includes bowings for teachers to use with string classes.

Where can I find materials and resources for my classroom?

The Link Up curriculum is also available online. All participating teachers are encouraged to utilize this digital resource to access printable interactive sheet music, student activity sheets, audio tracks, videos, and other supplemental resources, and explore the Music Educators Toolbox for free, open-source resources for music educators and administrators.

Concerts

When will I receive my Link Up tickets?

Your Link Up ticket (one ticket per participating teacher for your confirmed number of students and chaperones) will be mailed to you approximately one month before your confirmed concert date.

How many parents and other adults may I bring to the Link Up concert?

Schools may bring no more than one chaperone per 10 students, free of charge. For example: If a teacher enrolls a class of 30 students, they will automatically receive 30 student seats, three chaperone seats, and one seat for themselves, for a total of 34 seats. Carnegie Hall will send chaperone wristbands so that adults can be identified when entering the Hall. Please note that parents/adults may not purchase individual tickets themselves, nor can student seats be substituted for adults.

Can parents purchase tickets to the Link Up concert?

No. If parents are interested in attending, they must attend with their children’s classes as chaperones.

Can I take photos and videos at the Link Up concert?

No. In accordance with Carnegie Hall’s policies, photography and videography are strictly prohibited.

What instructions should I give to my bus drivers for the Link Up concert?

Buses should drop students off on the south side of 57th Street, facing east, in front of the main Carnegie Hall marquee. Buses should pick students up on the north side of 57th Street, facing west, following the concert. Please note that buses cannot wait in front of Carnegie Hall during the concert.

When do the doors open before the Link Up concert? When should I arrive?

Doors open 30 minutes before each Link Up concert. The concerts are general admission (no assigned seats), so the earlier you arrive, the closer you will be to the stage. Entry to the Hall will not be granted earlier than 30 minutes before each performance.

Other

How can my students perform on stage during the Link Up concert?

Carnegie Hall staff select Link Up classes to perform on stage during the Link Up concerts. Teachers who are interested in this opportunity for their students should submit an audition video to Carnegie Hall staff no later than mid-March.

What do I need to include in my Link Up audition video?

The video should include students playing or singing the entire Link Up: The Orchestra Swings repertoire. In addition to the video, you will be asked to complete an application form with your name, school name, the total number of students in the auditioning group, and the instruments on which they will be performing at the concert.

Where can my students eat lunch before or after the Link Up concert?

Central Park is a great place to eat, weather permitting, and is accessible just two blocks away from the Hall. There is also a public atrium between Sixth and Seventh avenues with entrances on West 56th and West 57th streets.

I have suggestions for Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program. How can I share them?

Please email your suggestions to feedback@carnegiehall.org.