Manhattan Concert Productions: Recommendations

WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY ABOUT US AND THEIR EXPERIENCES:

"During our residency in NYC, the staff consistently provided all that was promised with positive attitudes and enthusiasm as if this were the only experience we would ever have in this type of concert series. The McCallum Singers had a fantastic, memorable, and enjoyable experience."

Malcolm Nelson, McCallum High School

"Performing in Carnegie Hall with my middle school ensemble was amazing. The entire MCP staff was fabulous to work with and very helpful with planning the festival. I would recommend MCP Festivals to anyone looking to challenge their music ensemble."

Janelle Jacoby, George Washington Middle School

This was a truly remarkable experience, both for me and my students. We are still amazed at the cultural and musical gifts we received from the event. Our lives are changed forever!"

Robin Corley, University High School

"You did a wonderful job setting up the festival. The mix of structured rehearsal time with a flexible schedule which allowed students to explore the city was fabulous. From the reception at the hotel to the send off, it was a personal and professional experience. Thanks again for all that you did to make this a lifetime experience for our group."

Tom Wine, Wichita State University

"MCP provided a fantastic package that met the needs (and deep longings) of my students. The accommodations were centrally located, the sightseeing was incredible, and the guest conductor did a tremendous job working and making music with our kids. And, the MCP staff are my new best friends! They went above and beyond courtesy to help overcome every obstacle that surfaced unexpectedly! Thanks MCP - you guys rock! Impeccable service accompanies an outstanding product."

Daniel Watkins, Castleberry High School

"The unique aspects of participating in a festival are so vital for today. Our choir was able to do this tour in the economic climate due to the possibility of working cooperatively with other choirs. We deeply appreciate all that MCP's staff does to create such a smooth professional and musical experience."

Ann Tucker, Northwest Community Music Academy

"MCP by far surpasses other festivals with their hospitality, professionalism, and organization."

Deanne Zogleman, Newman University

"MCP - run by choral experts for choral experts, with a very professional approach. Takes care of everything with courtesy and a friendly attitude. Treats every choir with respect. MCP is super organized, ready and willing to answer any question or concern. They are all available when you need them, from Day 1 until you are on the way home. A pleasure!"

Susan Young, Ya'll Come Choir

"I want to thank all of you for making us feel so welcome and providing such an amazing musical opportunity for our young singers. I have heard nothing by wonderful comments about the trip. [MCP] staff are to be commended for being able to execute such a grand event so flawlessly. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a spectacular event."

Russ Porter, Children's Chorus of Collin County

"I want to commend you for your excellent organization. From the airlines to the charter buses, from the hotel location to the itinerary, from the MCP staff availability to the rehearsal venue and schedule, everything was superb. It is my hope to travel again with MCP. I am thoroughly impressed! Thanks again for making our experience so memorable and such a success!"

Darryl Guzman, Ohlone College Community Chorale

"My students made beautiful music, learned so much and created memories that will stay with them for decades to come. The musical experience far exceeded our expectations."

Heidi Vass, La Reina High School

"MCP provides the finest choral experiences that I have ever participated in. Their professionalism alone created an atmosphere of excellence that far exceeded my expectations. My students will talk about their Carnegie Hall experience for the rest of their lives!"

Wanetta Hill, Boerne Champion High School

MCP provided such a well-organized and high quality experience that we were able to relax, enjoy, and focus our attention on excellent music-making and enjoying the sights of NYC!"

Darryl Guzman, Fremont Christian High School

"Very well organized and attentive to the choir's every need."

Brigida Battistessa, St. Francis High School

"A wonderful musical experience superbly balanced with other cultural activities/freetime. Expertly organized."

James Bjorklund, Merrill High School

"We loved our experience! Students came away energized and singing better than ever. MCP was gracious and accommodating to every detail. Our best travel experience to date."

Craig Gahnz, Palm Desert High School

"MCP is not your typical festival experience. The staff are musicians that understand the ins and outs of the festival experience."

Ryan Casey, Stoughton High School

"MCP is the real deal. A real concert in a great hall with a real audience."

Brian Stubbs, Brainerd High School

"In my 22 years I have been fortunate to have taken my ensembles on several performance trips, both domestic and international. Some have been good; some not so good. Your staff made this experience outstanding – easy for me and exciting for my students. Having a professional music staff rather than travel agents makes a huge difference."

Richard Andreacchio, Suncoast High School

"Great guest conductor and a very professional and friendly MCP staff! Wonderful hotel and location. Great, busy schedule! My students are still talking about the trip."

Loisanne Robins, Pine View School

"The opportunity to sing in Carnegie Hall had an incredible impact on our students and chaperones. As always, the staff at MCP was organized and professional. You truly value and understand the spirit of music education. Thank you for providing such a rich musical experience for our choir!"

Mandy Scott, Grosse Pointe North High School

"MCP Festival was a life changing experience for my students and myself. We will never forget the musical and life experiences taught this weekend."

Lydia Megale, Bayonne High School

"Outstanding opportunity – well-planned and well-managed!"

Alan MacNair, Troy High School Symphony Strings

"The MCP staff was of tremendous help throughout the entry process and in getting all of our needs taken care of on site. The venue and residency were world class. My staff, students, and parents had a most enjoyable experience. Kudos to MCP!"

Thomas Galvez, Medina Valley High School Wind Symphony

"MCP is a professional company that understands the importance of the full musical experience for a choir. The quality of our experience was wonderful, making our tour a worthwhile and memorable experience."

Anne Saxon, Central Carolina Children's Chorus

"MCP are music educators working with music educators to produce a high quality experience all around; and they do it successfully!"

Wes Rainer, Seminole Ridge High School

"My students are still on a 'high' from their Carnegie Hall concert. We can't thank you enough for a thrilling opportunity!"

Sally Ross, Hickory High School, NC

"This was truly a wonderful opportunity for my students and my program. I would return to MCP without hesitation."

Russ Raber, Oak Harbor High School, OH

"... from the initial audition to the after concert cruise and every detail in between, my college students were treated with the utmost respect and genuine kindness... it was a life altering experience for many individuals in the ensemble. I am grateful to everyone at MCP for their wonderful hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to conduct in a venue where all the virtuoso artists have performed."

Julia Thorn, Centenary College, LA

"Great plans laid out for us - great, friendly staff - always ready to meet our every need."

Shelia Miller, Daviess County High School, KY

"MCP offers a very professional, student-centered, and educational festival!"

Gregory Whitmore, Cathedral City High School, CA

"I have toured all over the world with my choirs, and have performed in some of the most beautiful and famous rooms in Europe and America; your tour and performance package is right up there with the best I have had. Your service and responsiveness has been second to none in my career. My students and I are grateful for the experience we had in New York, thank you for all you did to make it possible."

Jason Harney, Aliso Niguel High School, CA

"I have traveled with my high school choirs for over 20 years. MCP is by far the best experience I have had yet. Their timely, professional and courteous service was exemplary. What a pleasure!"

Bonnie Graeve, Royal High School, CA

"In 28 years of teaching, I have never participated in a festival more worthwhile. It equaled or surpasses the quality of performance in All-State choirs. This festival was more educational than any others I have ever been in. We will try to do this every year!

Jean Immler, Charter Tech High School, NJ

"The opportunity to perform at Jazz at Lincoln Center turned out to be one of the most remarkable experiences imaginable!"

Jeff Welcher, Oneida High School, NY

"The entire festival was well organized and executed. The clinicians and guest conductor were first rate and the final performance and venue were outstanding... I'll be coming back."

Allen Redford, Highland Community College, IL

"MCP gives every person individual attention and respect... I knew no concern was too small to be addressed with kindness and courtesy. Every MCP person was friendly and committed to making our trip the best ever - and it was!

Sue Young, Ya'll Come Choir, IL

"We found the MCP staff most cooperative in every way. The concert program was outstanding both in repertoire and quality of performance. We truly had a great experience and look forward to doing another program with MCP in the future."

Margaret Goodson, Trinity Lutheran Church, TX

"For an average musician, this is an incredible opportunity to perform on a stage where 'stars' perform. What an experience!"

Linda Laird, Faith Lutheran Church, KS

"MCP was incredibly prepared, organized and hospitable. The representatives were warm and gracious, friendly and helpful, with a great respect for the art of making music."

Michele Hecht, First Congregational Church, IL

"A note of thanks for a really seamless concert experience for our orchestra at Carnegie Hall in New York City. We were delighted by the experience. Thank you for all of the thoughtful planning and insights as a music professional."

Donna Kempner, Villa Sinfonia parent

"As a community singer, I want to say thank you for arranging this wonderful experience at Carnegie Hall. Many times when a person anticipates a big event in their life, the actual experience does not live up to the expectation. My experience was more than amazing. I want to thank you for taking care of all the fine details that allowed us to have this magical moment. You and your staff were always helpful and courteous -- and you did it all with a smile."

Ronny Marshall, National Park Community College

"Our Mattawan High School Master Singers trip to New York City was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. Thank you for developing a meaningful opportunity for our students. Our adult contingent was also provided a great opportunity to share in the experiences that you arranged for the students. Beyond those experiences, however, I wish to commend you for the service that you rendered. It was obvious that you work well with students and are able to provide a high standard in a personable way. I had such a great time with the students and the tour in general, that I intend to return when another group comes to New York. If you ever need a reference for another school that would be considering a trip such as ours, please feel free to refer them to me."

James Weeldreyer, superintendent, Mattawan Consolidated Schools

"Words cannot express my absolute delight with the experience you and your staff gave all of us during our stay in Chicago. What a fine, rich experience all of you provided for our singers, for me, and for the parents in the audience. MCP's hospitality was abundant in each and every aspect of the time we spent together. Your dedication, honesty and caring make MCP a class act. I offer my heartfelt thanks."

Mary Alice Stollak, Michigan State University Children's Choirs

"I want to thank you for arranging a wonderful trip for the Xavier High School students last month. I was so pleased with every aspect of the trip. Thank you and your capable staff for the thoughtful planning and professional guidance you gave us during our stay in New York City."

Paul Speiser, Xavier High School

"Thank you so much for the wonderful experience you arranged for all of us in New York City. What a fabulous experience! You were outstanding hosts and are incredible people."

Mike Shallabarger, principal, Greenville High School

"On behalf of the membership, our conductor Andre Thomas, and the Board of the Chorus, I want to thank you and your staff for helping make our first foray outside the city of Tallahassee not only rewarding, but one that our members will not soon forget. From the day we arrived at the hotel until we departed, our stay in New York was guided with the utmost professionalism. No detail went unaddressed, and as I remarked to one of my colleagues shortly after our return, the trip could not have gone better if it had been scripted. We look forward to working with you again in the future."

Lanue Ryan, The Tallahassee Community Chorus