PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATE & GUIDELINES

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Honors Performance Series program! We’re thrilled that you’ll be
joining other high-achieving performers for this transformational experience and would love to help you get the
word out about your involvement to the local media.
What is a press release?
A press release contains basic facts about the forum you’re attending—facts that news reporters can use to
generate a story about your acceptance and participation in the program. Taking the time and effort to write
and circulate your press release is a purely voluntary exercise.
How do I create my press release?
Simply fill out the attached Press Release Template. If you are a minor, talk with your responsible party and
get their approval to send out your release.
How do I circulate my press release once my parents agree?
After completing the template, we recommend saving just the press release and emailing it to your local media
outlets. If you prefer, you may also print copies of the press release and either mail or fax them to local media
outlets.
Examples of outlets include:
 Local/community-oriented magazines or newspapers
 School newspaper
 Newsletters for organizations to which you or your parents belong (or for organizations which may be
assisting your fundraising efforts)
 Parents’ company newsletter
 Television stations
 Local websites
 Radio stations

Where do I find addresses or fax numbers for my local news organizations?

Most news organizations list their contact information on their websites or in their printed publications.

How should I prepare to talk with a reporter or producer if I’m asked for an interview?
To prepare to speak with a reporter, be sure you have all your information ready. You'll want to provide the
reporter with your complete press release and know ahead of time which information you're comfortable
sharing with the public.

Do I need to do anything after any of my articles are published?

We love to see our performers in the news! If any of your submissions are picked up for stories, we encourage
you to send them to honors@honorsperformance.org.

Don’t forget to mention your participation on Facebook or Instagram and be sure to tag us:

@honorsperformanceseries
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Student Performer Selected to Perform at <<PERFORMANCE VENUE>>

Contact: <Responsible Party Name>

Phone: <Responsible Party Number>
Email: <Responsible Party Email>

<<CITY, STATE WHERE YOU LIVE>> – <<YOUR NAME>>, a student at <<SCHOOL NAME>>, has been
selected for the <<HIGH SCHOOL/YOUNG ADULT/MIDDLE SCHOOL>> Honors Performance Series at
<<PERFORMANCE VENUE>>. <<YOUR FIRST NAME>> will perform <<PART>> in <<PERFORMANCE
MONTH>> with the <<NAME OF ENSEMBLE>>. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the
highest-rated young performers from across the world.

<<YOUR FIRST NAME>> auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was recently accepted after a
review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication,
and achievements demonstrated in their application and audition recording.
<< YOUR FIRST NAME>> has studied music for <<# YEARS>> years and is a member of
<<PERFORMANCE GROUP(S)>>. <<INCLUDE INFORAMTION ABOUT YOU - include additional information
about other awards/honors received>>. In response to their selection, <<YOUR FIRST NAME>> said,
“<<INCLUDE COMMENTS ABOUT WHY YOU ARE EXCITED TO BE SELECTED/PARTICIPATE>>.”

<<YOUR FIRST NAME>> will join performers from <<SEE PROGRAM FAQs FOR DEMOGRAPHIC INFO>>
for a special performance at the world-famous <<PERFORMANCE VENUE>>, a venue that marks the
pinnacle of musical achievement. The finalists will come together in <<PROGRAM CITY LOCATION>> where
they will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other performers, and get a
taste of <<PROGRAM CITY LOCATION>>. The Honors Performance will take place <<PERFORMANCE
DATE>> and is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased beginning approximately 60 days prior to the
performance through the <<PERFORMANCE VENUE>> box office.

“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of
accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, Music Director for the Honors Performance Series. “We processed nearly
10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world.
Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience that these musicians will never forget.”

The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers on an
international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world renowned venues.
The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel
organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.

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