Throughout the concert season, more than a thousand children receive free tickets to attend New York Pops concerts at Carnegie Hall.

Through their schools, community centers or clubs, New York City children are offered free tickets for 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 the orchestras' education staff to visit before the concert.  The staff member offers information about Carnegie Hall, the orchestra, conductor, guest artists, program and concert etiquette.

“I just wanted to thank you for allowing Automotive High School to participate in Kids in the Balcony. They absolutely LOVED the Bernstein Songbook! Most of them had never been to Carnegie Hall, and some had never seen a symphony of any kind. I can't thank you enough for giving this opportunity to my students. The experience was so enriching.” Candace Paar, Teacher

“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, Student