KIDS IN THE BALCONY
Throughout the concert season, more than a thousand children receive free tickets to
attend New York Pops performances at Carnegie Hall.

Through their schools, community centers or clubs, New York City children are offered free tickets for all New York Pops concerts at Carnegie Hall, including the annual Birthday Gala where more than 830 children fill the Carnegie Hall balcony. In order to prepare students more thoroughly for their concert-going experience, groups can arrange for a member of orchestra’s Education Staff to visit before the concert. The staff member offers information about Carnegie Hall, the orchestra, conductor, guest artists, and concert etiquette.

“I am very grateful that I was able to experience this concert. I never thought I was ever going to go to Carnegie Hall. I will never forget that moment in my life.”
Estela Martins, Kids in the Balcony 2006

Photo: Steve J. Sherman	Photo: Steve J. Sherman
For many Kids in the Balcony this is their first visit to Carnegie Hall.

“The concert was great and exciting. I would like to go to Carnegie Hall again next year.”

“Thank you for giving the program Kids in the Balcony because the balcony was really fun and cool. My favorite song was God Bless America because the women who sang it had nice voices.”
Kids in the Balcony 2002-2003

“Change for Kids” become Kids in the Balcony on Dec. 18, 2003 for The New York Pops Holiday Celebration. Photo: Megan Lemley

Director of Education Dr. Sherrie Maricle, Teaching Artist Tanya Darby, and Education Coordinator Joanne Winograd visit PS 24 in the Bronx for a pre-concert visit. Photo: Joan Schwartz

“The children were lit up when they were learning about the orchestra and when they were told about going to Carnegie Hall to attend the gala, they lit up even more… it is something that will remain a memory for them forever.” -
Teacher Kids in the Balcony 2002-2003

To contact The New York Pops Education Department, please e-mail: