Business Details
34 Years
experience
Empowering Young Voices Through Choral Excellence
Founded in 1992 by Artistic Director Dianne Berkun Menaker, Brooklyn Youth Chorus empowers young people through transformative choral education. Our mission centers on nurturing empathy, resilience, and self-expression, preparing future leaders through music. With over 500 students annually and nearly 10,000 lives impacted since inception, we combine artistic excellence with accessible education. Our Grammy Award-winning ensemble collaborates with renowned artists and organizations, including the New York Philharmonic and Beyonc & Jay-Z, while pioneering innovative productions like Port(al).Our proprietary Cross-Choral Training method integrates voice science, music theory, and performance, offering a sequential pathway for ages 5-18. We prioritize inclusivity through subsidized tuition and need-based financial aid, ensuring accessibility for all families. Our choristers perform on global stages, from Carnegie Hall to the United Nations, while our recordings feature in films, commercials, and solo albums. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on community support to sustain our programs and expand opportunities for young artists.
Services
Pre-Preparatory Division
Preparatory Division
Pre-Teen Division
Teen Division
Junior Ensemble
Bass Ensemble
Concert Ensemble
Financial Aid Programs
College Readiness
Original Productions
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in youth choral education with a Grammy Award-winning ensemble.
- Our proprietary Cross-Choral Training method develops versatile vocalists across all genres.
- We collaborate with world-renowned artists like the New York Philharmonic and Sir Elton John.
- 100% of families receive subsidized tuition with 35% qualifying for need-based financial aid.
- Our innovative productions like Port(al) redefine youth choral performance boundaries.
What people say
Grammy Award-winning ensemble
Transformative educational impact
Innovative original productions
Exceptional vocal versatility
Professional-level performances
Services
Pre-Preparatory Division
A play-based program for ages 5-6 introduces foundational music skills without auditions. Weekly sessions focus on rhythm, pitch, and vocal exploration through games and interactive activities. This division cultivates a lifelong love for singing while preparing students for structured choral training.
Bass Ensemble
Specialized training for ages 12-18 with changing or changed voices develops technical mastery in tenor and bass registers. Weekly rehearsals with the Concert Ensemble prepare mixed-voice repertoire for professional performances. This program addresses the unique needs of developing lower voices in choral contexts.
College Readiness
This initiative provides college counseling, audition preparation, and academic support for teens lacking institutional guidance. Participants receive mentorship from BIPOC artists, masterclasses with professionals, and financial assistance for application fees and travel expenses.
Original Productions
Site-specific performances like Port(al) combine choral music with immersive storytelling in historic locations. These productions collaborate with composers, directors, and visual artists to create groundbreaking works that explore cultural and social themes through multidisciplinary art.
Financial Aid Programs
All families receive tuition subsidies, with 35% qualifying for additional need-based assistance. The Mary Anne & Dick Yancey Memorial Fund provides one-on-one vocal instruction for low-income students. This commitment ensures socioeconomic diversity across all training divisions and ensembles.
People
Dianne Berkun Menaker
Artistic Director
Founder of Brooklyn Youth Chorus in 1992, Dianne Berkun Menaker developed the proprietary Cross-Choral Training method. Under her leadership, the ensemble has won a Grammy Award and collaborated with major artists and orchestras globally.
Questions
What age groups does Brooklyn Youth Chorus serve?
We offer programs for singers aged 5-18 across six divisions, including specialized training for changing voices and advanced performing ensembles.
Is prior singing experience required?
No experience is needed for the Pre-Preparatory Division (ages 5-6). Older students undergo placement auditions to determine appropriate skill levels.
How does financial aid work?
All families receive subsidized tuition, with 35% qualifying for additional need-based assistance through our scholarship programs and memorial funds.
What performance opportunities exist?
Choristers perform in annual concerts, collaborate with major artists, and participate in original productions at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
How are voice parts assigned?
Treble voices join the Junior or Concert Ensemble, while changed/developing lower voices participate in the Bass Ensemble, with mixed-voice rehearsals for select repertoire.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Hilda Kogut
Nov 05, 2019
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I saw the wonderful video of "You Will Be Found" a few minutes ago- such great work, such lovely voices! I am going to donate- I love programs that help young people identify their strengths and give them support as they do so!
Dorota Siek
Jun 01, 2017
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They sang in our school today. The boys/young men were awesome. They sounded wonderful. I truly enjoyed the show
Susan Breier
Nov 05, 2016
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Your national anthem performance at the 9/11 tribute this morning was outstanding! Very beautiful & poignant. Wonderful voices!
