CAMERATA
CHAMBER MUSIC
PROGRAM
Program Overview
Camerata Youth Chamber Music Program
The Camerata Youth Orchestra’s Chamber Music Program (CMP) is kicking off its 2024 season, offering a fresh approach to cultivating young talent in an intimate, hands-on setting. Regarded as one of the premier programs in the nation, CMP provides comprehensive training for string, wind, brass, and piano musicians. Beyond the music itself, the program emphasizes real-world skills—like public speaking, community outreach, and networking—while immersing students in both modern and classical works. Performances at prominent venues and meaningful community engagement are core to shaping these musicians into not just performers, but responsible and proactive members of society.
Directed by Ben Byunghyun Rhee, the CMP selects about 100 students each year through competitive auditions judged by experienced faculty. These musicians are grouped into ensembles—string quartets, piano trios, and various wind and brass quintets—and work closely with their coaches to choose their musical pieces. The groups rehearse on their own and receive coaching sessions every other week. CMP’s current coaching roster includes:
Master Class Series
World Class Musicians
Each ensemble’s growth is assessed twice a year through formal evaluations. Additionally, students engage in master classes with internationally acclaimed musicians.
Master classes that are free and open to the public are held at NV Hall at NV Factory.
Concerts
Performances & Community Concerts
CCMP annual performance will take place at NV Hall at NV Factory in May, 2025
Throughout the season, each chamber group will also take part in two jury evaluations. These sessions offer a valuable chance for students to listen to other ensembles and build relationships with fellow musicians and coaches, with a reception held afterward to encourage further interaction.
Beyond the stage, CCMP students share their music with children and seniors at various locations across Northern New Jersey. This outreach is vital, particularly for younger generations who lack access to arts education in their schools. In care settings, music therapy can play an important role in enhancing rehabilitation and encouraging patients to engage more actively in their treatment, depending on their condition. These experiences give our musicians the chance to use their talents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Community
Services
PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) was created in 2003 as a means to recognize and honor those who contribute their time to make a difference in society as community service leaders and volunteers. Based on cumulative hours within a year-long period, awards are distributed in three levels:
Auditions
Audition Dates and Eligibility
CCMP auditions will be held on select dates between October 25th through October 27th at the CNJ office at 400 Sylvan Ave. Ste 105, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. You can schedule your audition time through the online application. All auditions will be held in-person.
In order to participate in the Camerata Youth CMP's 2024/2025 season, applicants must be between the grades 7 and 12.
What to expect at your audition
Auditions are 10 minutes long, and are heard by the Music Director and faculty.
If you do not have a pre-formed group:
- Applicants must prepare two (2) solo movements of contrasting styles (can be from the same work). Applicants may be asked to sight-read.
If you are auditioning as a pre-formed group:
- The group must prepare one piece together.
- Pre-formed groups may audition separately, as long as they indicate they are in a pre-formed group at their audition. Applicants may be asked to sight-read.
Tuition
The Tuition for the Chamber Music program is $987.
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.
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