White House Holiday Performance Overview

Each year, roughly 200–250 ensembles are invited to perform at the White House during the holiday season. Traditionally, these performances have taken place in the East Room; once the new ballroom is complete, that space will likely become the primary performance venue.

Most performances occur during public holiday tours of the White House or at special invitation-only events coordinated through the First Lady’s Office of Social Affairs. Performance blocks are typically 30 minutes and are best suited for small, highly focused ensembles such as:

• Saxophone choir
• Madrigal ensemble
• Flute choir
• Mixed string ensemble

Ideally, the group should be 24 performers or fewer.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Why is this opportunity being featured on a site dedicated to college admission and scholarships?

Because this experience:

• Looks exceptional on both general university and school-of-music applications
• Signals that your ensemble has succeeded in a nationally competitive audition process
• Demonstrates discipline, preparation, and artistic maturity—the very traits collegiate music recruiters want in their programs

When a student lists “White House Holiday Performance” on a résumé, admissions and scholarship committees instantly recognize the level of commitment and achievement behind those words.

How the Selection Process Works

The process is typically managed through the Office of the First Lady, often by the Deputy Social Secretary or a member of the Social Affairs team.

The adjudication panel is not made up solely of musicians. It may include:

• Members of the First Lady’s staff
• Representatives of national civic or cultural organizations (for example, garden or hospitality groups)
• Staff or board members of major arts organizations such as The Kennedy Center

This means musical quality and visual presentation both matter. The judges are asking:

• How will this ensemble sound in the White House?
• How will this ensemble look in the White House?

It’s also important to remember: this is not a political decision. Whether or not you support the current administration, this is about serving your students and giving them a rare competitive advantage in their collegiate pursuits.

The White House has extended holiday performance invitations since 1961, when First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition. For more than six decades—across administrations of both political parties—students have been welcomed to share their music in this national setting.

A Month-by-Month Guide from a Director Selected Three Times

The following timeline is adapted from the experience of a director whose ensembles have been selected three times for White House holiday performances. Adjust it to suit your calendar but keep the general pacing and preparation in mind.

January

Build the Ensembles and Choose Repertoire
Form up to three ensembles, each with no more than 24 performers, consisting only of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Explain clearly that memorization will be required. Choose Christmas/holiday repertoire that can also be used for a State Solo & Ensemble Festival rating. Prioritize well-known holiday selections with a distinct style (Baroque, jazz, ragtime, etc.). Avoid overly esoteric, modern works that may not connect with a general audience. Consider commissioning or arranging a custom piece specifically for this ensemble. This primary work will become your audition selection for the video.

February

Rehearsal and Partial Memorization
Rehearse consistently. Require at least the last half of the composition to be memorized by the end of the month.

March

Full Memorization and Attire Planning
Move to full memorization of the work. Begin planning White House performance attire: Band uniforms are not appropriate for this formal setting. Tuxedos and gowns are strongly recommended. Avoid an all-black look; consider coordinated red and/or green gowns appropriate to the season. Gowns should be matching or well-coordinated in style and color. Consider sourcing gowns from bridal or formal wear sales right after Christmas, or borrowing show choir gowns. Coordinate bowties, vests, or cummerbunds for a cohesive look. Period costumes (e.g., Dickens-era attire) can be a charming option if done well.

Remember: not all judges are musicians. They will imagine how your ensemble will look in photographs and in the historic rooms of the White House. Visual impact matters.

April–May

Festival Performance and Ensemble Selection
Perform your chosen composition at the State Solo & Ensemble Festival. The ensemble(s) receiving the highest rating will be your primary candidates. If multiple groups earn Superior ratings, convene a local selection committee (administrators, respected community musicians, etc.) to choose which ensemble will represent your school. Consider hosting a concert-style presentation open to the public where the committee and community can hear each ensemble.

June

Video Recording and Support Packet
Video record the ensemble wearing the formal attire planned for the White House. Create a simple but elegant holiday setting: Onstage with Christmas trees of varying heights and white lights, or In a ballroom or formal space with tasteful holiday décor. Invite your school district superintendent to introduce the ensemble on camera, briefly stating why this group should be selected. The superintendent should also be in formal attire (tux or gown). A multi-camera shoot is ideal, but well-lit horizontal phone cameras can be sufficient. One well-performed composition is usually enough for the audition video. Capture numerous still photographs of the ensemble in this setting.

Begin assembling a support packet, including letters from: School district superintendent Building principal District fine arts director Mayor Local or state representatives (congressperson, senators, governor) Conductor of the nearest professional or regional symphony (if possible). Add a brief history of your district’s music program and of the specific high school program.

Prepare all letters and materials so they can be sent both as: Physical packets via ground mail, and Digital attachments for email submissions.

July

Travel Planning and Repertoire Expansion
Reserve hotel rooms in Washington, D.C. for your preferred date range. Performance dates are set at the discretion of the White House, but it is far easier to adjust existing reservations than to find affordable rooms later. Rates from mid-October through December can be extremely high; early planning is crucial. Add two or three additional pieces to create roughly 15 minutes of performance music. Choose closing selections that are simple and easy to memorize, in case you wish to repeat them or use them as encores.

August

Application Submission and Community Partnerships
Submit your application on the first day it opens. Contact civic and community organizations—such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Civitans, local foundations, and chambers of commerce—to explore underwriting support if your ensemble is selected. Emphasize that this is an honor for the entire community. Continue weekly rehearsals so that the memorized music becomes second nature.

September

Press Preparation and Conductor-Free Rehearsal
Draft press releases in advance so you can move quickly if your ensemble is selected. Encourage parents to begin securing transportation and hotel reservations of their own, with clear information about date flexibility and cancellation policies. Maintain weekly rehearsals, now starting to work without a conductor so students can perform confidently in a variety of acoustical and staging situations.

October

Await the Invitation and Expand Opportunities
Watch for communication from the White House regarding your status. If your ensemble is accepted: Send out your prepared press releases immediately. Finalize funding commitments from civic, government, and business partners. Seek additional performance opportunities while in D.C., such as: Union Station Lobbies of major arts venues (including The Kennedy Center) Smithsonian Museums Embassy receptions or cultural events (where appropriate). Finalize all travel plans and itineraries. Continue rehearsing weekly, without a conductor whenever possible.

November

Media, Logistics, and Final Polishing
Continue weekly rehearsals, focusing on polish, musical nuance, and confident performance without a conductor. Invite local television stations to rehearse or provide them with audition footage and photos for coverage leading up to the performance. Verify that all student travel paperwork (permissions, medical forms, identification) is completed and filed, with both hard copies and digital backups ready for travel.

December

The Trip and the Impact
Travel to Washington, D.C. and perform at the White House, as well as any additional venues you have arranged. Schedule performances back home for the civic, government, and business partners who helped underwrite the experience. Make sure every sponsor, administrator, and supporter receives a personal thank-you note from students and directors.

These follow-up performances and acknowledgments deepen community relationships and position your program as a source of pride and excellence.

In Conclusion: More Than a Trip—A Transformative Credential

A White House holiday performance is far more than a memorable trip; it is a transformative credential for your students, your program, and your district.

For students, this experience:

• Becomes a high-impact line on college, conservatory, and scholarship applications
• Demonstrates grit, follow-through, and artistry to admissions committees
• Creates a powerful talking point in interviews, essays, and auditions
• Often positions them for additional local scholarships

For your program and district, this experience:

• Elevates your music program’s regional and national profile
• Strengthens relationships with administrators, civic leaders, and arts organizations
• Provides compelling photos, stories, and press coverage
• Underscores the value of sustained excellence in music education

For you as a director:

• Demonstrates visionary leadership
• Builds trust with parents, administrators, and community partners
• Strengthens program reputation

The preparation is demanding. The logistics are complex. But the return—on your students’ confidence, college opportunities, and your program’s reputation—is immeasurable.

If even one ensemble has the maturity, musicianship, and work ethic to make this journey, the White House holiday performance may be one of the most strategic, life-shaping opportunities you can pursue on their behalf.