CAMERATA YOUTH
CHAMBER MUSIC
PROGRAM
New Member Auditions for the CAMERATA YOUTH CHAMBER MUSIC PROGRAM (CYCMP) for the 2025-26 season will be open soon! This is a fantastic opportunity for advanced young musicians to join a vibrant community, refine their skills, and perform diverse chamber music repertoire. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to be part of this exciting program!
Program Overview
Camerata Youth Chamber Music Program
The 2025-26 season of the Camerata Youth Chamber Music Program (CYCMP) is about to begin, bringing a new vision for nurturing young talent in a close-knit, hands-on environment. Recognized as one of the top programs in the country, CYCMP offers thorough training for string, wind, brass, and piano musicians. The program goes beyond just music education, focusing on essential life skills like public speaking, community outreach, and networking, all while providing a balanced repertoire of classical and contemporary works. Performances at renowned venues and active community involvement are key to shaping these students into not only skilled performers but also engaged, responsible citizens.
Led by CYO music director Ben Byunghyun Rhee and an esteemed team of faculty, CYCMP selects new members each year through competitive auditions, judged by experienced mentors. Students are placed into ensembles—such as string quartets, piano trios, and wind and brass quintets—where they collaborate with coaches to choose their repertoire. The groups rehearse independently and come together for coaching sessions every other week.
Master
Class
World-Class Guidance
Students have the unique opportunity to participate in master classes led by internationally renowned musicians. These sessions provide invaluable insights into advanced techniques, interpretation, and performance artistry. Through personalized feedback and interaction with world-class artists, students gain inspiration and professional guidance that enhance their musical growth and understanding.
Concerts
Performances & Community Concerts
The CYCMP annual performance is set to dazzle audiences in May 2026 at the renowned NV Hall at NV Factory, showcasing the talent and dedication of our young musicians.
Throughout the season, each chamber group will participate in two jury evaluations—an invaluable opportunity for students to perform, learn from their peers, and strengthen bonds with fellow musicians and coaches. A celebratory reception follows each evaluation, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the program.
Beyond the concert hall, CYCMP students bring the joy of music to children and seniors across Northern New Jersey. These outreach performances fill critical gaps in arts education for younger audiences and offer therapeutic benefits to seniors in care settings, often inspiring engagement and aiding rehabilitation. By sharing their artistry, our musicians make a lasting impact, using their talent to connect with and uplift their communities.
Community
Services
Presidential Volunteer Service Award
The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), established in 2003, honors individuals who dedicate their time to making a positive impact in their communities as leaders and volunteers. Recipients are recognized based on cumulative service hours completed within a year-long period. Camerata New Jersey has proudly served as a certifying organization for the PVSA since 2012, providing students with the opportunity to be acknowledged for their dedication to community service through their musical contributions and outreach efforts.
Auditions
The inaugural season will accept video auditions only and is open exclusively to pre-formed groups. To join CYCMP's 2025-26 season, all participants must be in grades 7 through 12. Each group must prepare and perform one piece together. Video submissions are due by August 25, 2026.
Tuition
For tuition details, please reach out to info@cameratanewjersey.org.
SUPPORT CYO
Join us in making a charitable donation to the CYO which allows us to continue to grow and make beautiful music while changing lives. Your donation to the Youth Orchestra is an investment in the future of our organization and our community.