“Brooklyn Youth Chorus has adopted an innovative approach to training young singers, one that preserves classic repertory and absorbs new sounds.”
At Brooklyn Youth Chorus, we provide more than just singing training, we also cultivate the ambitions of our students. By singing with a group, young people are exposed to the possibilities of music, future careers, and their community. Our students come to realize that they are valued in all spaces and their voices matter.
We view young voices as a precious resource that requires care, encouragement, and time to develop. We embrace the traditional learning-by-doing approach while incorporating a modern, healthy approach to ensure our students can thrive and flourish. Our singers are taught a diverse repertoire from various genres and featuring a broad representation of composers.
In addition to developing their singing abilities, our students also learn valuable team-working skills. We take a collaborative approach to learning, with the teacher as the facilitator, leading to accountability to themselves and their peers. The skills acquired through the musical experience extend to all areas of life, and our students' dedication and hard work is visible and empowering.
Joining Brooklyn Youth Chorus
Registration is now closed for the Fall. Registration for our spring semester will open in January, 2025. Classes are held in person 1-3 times weekly from 1-2 hours, depending on the age group and level.
No prior experience is required to sing with Brooklyn Youth Chorus. However, an audition is required in order to be placed within the Chorus. Audition dates are held on a rolling basis. Click here to view upcoming audition dates.
Our Approach
Brooklyn Youth Chorus students are trained using the Cross-Choral Training® method, a proven holistic and experiential approach to teaching voice and musicianship in a group setting, designed by Founder & Artistic Director Dianne Berkun Menaker. It is a functional voice training based on voice science and health and a comprehensive approach to building sight-reading and music literacy skills that builds a foundation for healthy singing across a wide variety of genres and styles.
We don’t separate doing from knowing. All students have an opportunity to perform and demonstrate their growing skills. From the little kids to the big ones, our students inspire each other across all divisions. We’re invested in each other’s success.
Our goal is to develop each individual singer’s full musical potential, so that when they perform within the group, they are able to co-create magic with each other.
Training Divisions
Upon joining Brooklyn Youth Chorus, we assess each student’s musical ability, experience and maturity before finding them a home among our divisions: Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Pre-Teen, Teen, and Advanced Performing Ensembles.
Students are able to progress each year in an age-appropriate setting based on their desired level of commitment and demonstrated ability. Offering multiple levels allows students to enter with any degree of skill and experience and progress at their own speed.
Performing Ensembles
Our advanced treble singers join the Junior or Concert Ensembles, while advanced tenors and basses (changed voice singers) join the Bass Ensemble.
Performing ensemble members study and perform a wide range of diverse choral music in three to six voice parts and in many languages, including choral masterworks with orchestra. With more rehearsal time and a vigorous training program, these choristers attain the highest reaches of vocal performance. Students in our performing ensembles have the opportunity to perform and record in a wide variety of settings and styles.