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 stages. Young musicians (“Finalists”) are selected through a competitive audition process to join an ensemble under the baton of a renowned conductor. The program consists of 5-6 days of rehearsals and sightseeing on location in a major city such as New York City, London, or Sydney, before taking the stage for a public performance at a prestigious venue such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Festival Hall, or Sydney Opera House—to name a few.
The program runs multiple times during the year, with one Carnegie Hall performance for High School and Middle School musicians, as well as a rotating international venue for High School musicians.
This position is hiring for all program dates and locations for the 2026 season, including:
- New York City/Carnegie Hall (High School Musicians): February 4-9th, 2026
- London, UK/Royal Festival Hall (High School Musicians): June 19-24th, 2026
- New York City/Carnegie Hall (Middle School Musicians: July 19-24th, 2026
Placement will be determined upon hiring and can be at any or all the dates listed above, depending on employee availability and hiring need. Please note: employees who join us for the February program will be given priority placement for summer programs.
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, wellbeing, 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 (a valid passport and visa may be required for international locations)
- 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
WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, WorldStrides is committed to building a diverse workforce, supported by an environment that promotes inclusion and belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
WorldStrides will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, J-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire. Select seasonal roles may consider students on J-1 or F-1 visas.
What We Do
WorldStrides provides educational travel and experiences to more than 530,000 students a year. Founded in 1967 by a middle school social studies teacher from Chicago, the company has since grown to become a leader in experiential learning for students of all ages throughout their lifetime learning journey. In addition to domestic and international travel and study abroad programs, WorldStrides offerings include performing arts, sports, language immersion, career exploration, and service-learning. Each of these experiences helps students to see beyond the classroom and to see the world – and themselves – in new ways.
Our global team is 1,500+ strong, united by a passion for what we do. We work with students, parents, and teachers, and behind the scenes too, to deliver experiences that transform lives. Let's get out there - together!
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