Business Details
34 Years
experience
Empowering Young Voices Through Choral Excellence
Founded in 1992 by Artistic Director Dianne Berkun Menaker, Brooklyn Youth Chorus has become a nationally recognized leader in choral education for young singers aged 5-18. Our mission centers on empowering youth through music, combining rigorous vocal training with character development to nurture empathy, resilience, and self-expression. We employ a proprietary Cross-Choral Training method grounded in voice science, music theory, and sight-singing, ensuring technical proficiency across diverse genres. With over 500 students annually and 10,000 lives impacted since inception, we offer tiered programs from introductory play-based classes to advanced performing ensembles.Our choristers have collaborated with the New York Philharmonic, Beyonc, and Philip Glass, while our innovative productions like Port(al) and Silent Voices demonstrate artistic leadership. We maintain a 100% tuition subsidy policy, with 35% of families receiving additional financial aid to ensure accessibility. Our graduates consistently emerge as confident performers and community leaders, prepared for professional music careers or lifelong artistic engagement.
Services
Pre-Preparatory Division
Preparatory Division
Pre-Teen Division
Teen Division
Junior Ensemble
Bass Ensemble
Concert Ensemble
Private Voice Lessons
Financial Aid Program
Community Performances
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer a proprietary Cross-Choral Training method developed by Grammy-winning director Dianne Berkun Menaker
- Our 100% tuition subsidy policy ensures accessibility for all families
- Students perform with world-renowned artists and orchestras
- Three advanced performing ensembles provide specialized training for serious vocalists
- Annual assessments ensure appropriate placement for each singer's development stage
What people say
Superb ensemble of bright singers
Polish and commitment beyond years
Transformative musical experiences
Meticulous powerhouse of an ensemble
Exemplary vocal training program
Services
Pre-Preparatory Division
Our Pre-Preparatory Division introduces 5-6 year olds to music through play-based learning. This no-audition program builds foundational skills while fostering a love for singing. Weekly sessions focus on tonal development, basic rhythms, and creative expression, preparing young voices for future choral participation.
Bass Ensemble
The Bass Ensemble specializes in training for changed and changing voices (ages 12-18). This advanced group focuses on tenor and bass choral repertoire while collaborating with the Concert Ensemble. Weekly rehearsals develop vocal technique specific to lower registers through challenging mixed-voice compositions.
Concert Ensemble
As our highest-level treble-voice ensemble, the Concert Ensemble performs complex repertoire and collaborates on major artistic projects. Members participate in professional recordings, live performances, and original productions like Port(al). Weekly rehearsals emphasize advanced vocal artistry and stage presence.
Private Voice Lessons
Private lessons provide personalized vocal instruction tailored to each student's development. Our faculty focuses on healthy technique, repertoire expansion, and performance preparation. These sessions complement group training while addressing individual artistic growth and technical refinement.
Financial Aid Program
Our comprehensive financial aid program ensures accessibility for all families. Every student receives tuition subsidies, with 35% qualifying for additional need-based assistance. Flexible payment plans and rolling aid applications remove economic barriers to participation in our choral programs.
People
Dianne Berkun Menaker
Artistic Director & Conductor
Founder of Brooklyn Youth Chorus, Dianne Berkun Menaker has shaped the organization into a Grammy-winning ensemble since 1992. She developed the Cross-Choral Training method and leads major artistic projects like Port(al).
Megan Lemley
Executive Director
Megan Lemley oversees organizational operations and strategic vision as Executive Director. With extensive arts administration experience, she manages program expansion and community partnerships for the 500+ student organization.
Liz Geisewite
Director of Choral Education
As Director of Choral Education, Liz Geisewite supervises curriculum development and faculty training. She conducts ensembles and ensures pedagogical consistency across all divisions using the Cross-Choral Training method.
Scott Semanski
Bass Ensemble Conductor
Scott Semanski specializes in lower-voice training as Bass Ensemble Conductor. He develops repertoire and techniques specifically for changed and changing voices while collaborating with other ensemble directors on mixed-voice projects.
Raquel Acevedo Klein
Conductor & Voice Faculty
Raquel Acevedo Klein contributes as both conductor and private voice instructor. She works with multiple ensembles while providing individual coaching to advanced singers preparing for professional music careers.
Questions
What age requirements exist for joining Brooklyn Youth Chorus?
We accept singers aged 5-18. The Pre-Preparatory Division starts at age 5, with progressive training divisions and performing ensembles for older students.
Is prior singing experience required for enrollment?
No prior experience is needed. Our tiered system accommodates beginners through advanced singers, with placement based on skill level rather than previous training.
How does the audition process work for new students?
Placement auditions for ages 7+ involve simple pitch-matching exercises and singing scales. The 5-10 minute process assesses musical potential rather than existing skill.
What financial assistance options are available?
All families receive tuition subsidies, with 35% qualifying for additional need-based aid. Flexible payment plans and rolling financial aid applications ensure accessibility for every interested singer.
What performance opportunities exist for members?
All students perform in annual Holiday Harmonies and Spring Sings concerts. Advanced ensembles participate in professional recordings, collaborations with major artists, and original productions like Port(al).
How does Brooklyn Youth Chorus support vocal development?
Our Cross-Choral Training method combines voice science, healthy technique, and music theory. Age-appropriate instruction ensures safe development across various genres from classical to contemporary styles.
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