College and Career Readiness Program
Brooklyn Youth Chorus’ College and Career Readiness program aims to provide support in preparation for post-secondary life to our high school aged choristers (grades 9-12) who are actively enrolled and receiving financial aid at Brooklyn Youth Chorus.
As part of Brooklyn Youth Chorus’ commitment to ADEI (Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), the College and Career Readiness Program offers musical, academic, and professional guidance and social support to students to ensure academic and professional success beyond high school. Whether students wish to pursue a career in music or another field, Brooklyn Youth Chorus seeks to provide opportunities for these students to have access to their desired educational and career paths.
Key Components of College and Career Readiness:
Small group and individual college counseling
College information session/panels
Mentorship from music industry professionals
Voice masterclasses with professional vocalists
Brooklyn Youth Chorus Advancement Scholar private voice lesson program
College audition preparation and recording assistance for students who major in Music
College and Career Readiness Artist Mentors (2023-2024)
A Brooklyn Youth Chorus alumna, jazz vocalist Melanie Charles graduated from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music with a BFA in vocal jazz performance, and has performed as a leader and as a "featured singer" at top venues worldwide.
Laquita Mitchell, soprano, is a Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Grand Prize Winner, with a Master’s from the Manhattan School of Music, and Bachelor’s from Westminster Choir College.
American mezzo-soprano Rebecca Ringle Kamarei, known for her “outstanding” voice of "otherworldly luminousness" has earned acclaim for international opera and concert performances.2022-2023 included returns to the Metropolitan Opera for productions of La Traviata and The Hours.
Davóne Tines, bass-baritone, is an internationally acclaimed opera singer and musical innovator who has premiered multiple new roles on the world’s top stages and continues to trailblaze in musical collaborations and projects that cross many genres.
College and Career Readiness 2023 schedule of events
February 5: Voice Recital #1
February 28, 7:30pm: Group college counseling session for 11th graders
April (various dates): “Meet the Mentor” small group mentor meetings
April 19, 7:00pm: Group college counseling session for 9th & 10th graders
April 25, 7:30pm: College info session/panel
May (various dates): Small group mentor meetings / Mentees observe Mentors in professional setting
June 6, 7:30pm: Voice Masterclass with Rebecca Ringle
June 11: Voice Recital #2