For many years New York City has been associated with the performing arts. People of every age, class and race have traveled to NYC hoping to strike it big with one of the countless dance companies, or star in a Broadway production. With all the venues that exist for the arts, it’s not surprising that NYC has gained this reputation. Taking a student group to see a show can help them gain a feel for this aspect of the city. When considering taking a group to see a performance, look no further than the Lincoln Center. This building complex contains 12 buildings and spans 16 acres in Upper Manhattan. These buildings contain stages that put on productions and concerts of everything from jazz and classical music to musical theater and dance. No matter the interest area of your student travel group, something in the Lincoln Center complex will surely meet your group’s needs.

Jazz fans will be glad to know that the Lincoln Center houses numerous concerts at the Jazz Center. Soloist and ensembles can be found nightly playing popular jazz favorites. For students who take and interest in classical music, plan to see the New York Philharmonic. This world famous ensemble frequently hosts well known conductors and soloists and gives many energetic performances. Younger students will not be left out, as there are several concerts designed for smaller audiences. These typically feature performances combined with a storyline, or other imaginative threads designed to teach children a musical concept. For a more intimate setting consider a performance put on by the Chamber Music Society. Ensembles from across America perform classic chamber music that many will enjoy.

Theater and Ballet are also popular choices when booking a concert. The New York City Ballet give performances that will hold students spellbound, and like the New York Philharmonic, it offers performances designed with younger children in mind. Musical theater can also be found in abundance. Classics such as The Sound of Music as well as off Broadway productions frequent the stage, and students will enjoy the stage up close and personal.

When asked their opinions on opera, many people will mutter something about screechy sopranos in flowing robes. Students are often no different, their taste of opera probably being limited to Bugs Bunny’s imitation of Wagner’s Ride of the Valkaries. At “the Met” short for the Metropolitan Opera, students will have a chance to judge opera for themselves. World renowned singers frequently perform everything from Mozart to Philip Glass and students will be challenged to embrace an experience that may lead them outside their instinctive realm of comfort. A performance at the Met will likely leave them entranced that emotion can be so powerfully conveyed through song.

The School of American Ballet and the Julliard School of Music can also be found in the Lincoln Center complex. These schools often give performances and recitals that are a fraction of the price and still excellent quality. Consider taking a group to one of these shows if money is a concern, or the shows are sold out. Music and art are not only enjoyable, but a necessary part of any education. Let the Lincoln Center show students the excitement waiting to be found in the performing arts. And when you search for Educational Tours, consider New York City and Lincoln Center.