Here are some answers to questions we often get from prospective members. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, feel free to email info@ynyc.org and we’ll get you an answer!

Tell me about YNYC in 3 sentences.

Our Mixed Ensemble was founded in 2001 by young people that wanted to sing choral music with people their own age. Our Treble Ensemble was founded in 2012. The Mixed Ensemble comprises approximately 75 singers, and the Treble Ensemble comprises approximately 50 singers.

What makes YNYC unique?

In a few words — musical excellence that fosters close-knit community. We work very hard, and our standard of excellence is high, and we love to have fun, both in rehearsal and after. Many of our members hold degrees in music or have extensive experience in choral performance, and our work, from the pace of rehearsal to quality of performance, reflects this. Many YNYC members become lifelong friends and cite their experience in their ensemble as one of the most important in their young lives. We’re mostly in our 20s and 30s, so members are amongst folks at similar points in their lives.

What kind of music does YNYC perform?

We specialize in the cultivation and performance of new music by young composers, though we do certainly sing other types of repertoire! A cornerstone of our work is our annual Competition for Young Composers, now in its 20th year, which has featured finalists and winners who have gone on to become some of the most notable names in choral music, including Jake Runestad, Abbie Betinis, Dale Trumbore, Ola Gjeilo, Jocelyn Hagen, Matthew Lyon Hazzard, Hilary Purrington, and Jeffrey Derus, among others.

Where and when does YNYC rehearse?

The Mixed Ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays and the Treble Ensemble rehearses on Wednesdays. Both ensembles meet from 7:00pm to 9:30pm from September through May/June, with a brief break at the end of December. Both ensembles rehearse at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which is between Times Square and 6th Avenue at 145 W 46th Street. Members are expected to be at every rehearsal.

When & where does YNYC perform?

Each ensemble performs a minimum of two concerts a year — one in December, and another in May or June (depending on scheduling). We primarily perform at St. Mary’s. We’re also hired for a number of “run-out” gigs throughout the year, doing anything from our annual tradition of caroling in apartment building lobbies to premiering new works at Carnegie Hall. Most projects are open to all members, though some require us to be selective — we try to spread the love as much as we can.

What level of musicianship is expected from members?

YNYC members have a high level of proficiency with music literacy (reading sheet music) and are able to learn music at a fast pace — we often have our concert programs learned within 3-4 rehearsals so that we can focus on musical nuance for the remainder of the cycle. They’re expected to be flexible and switch parts if asked. Sight reading, while an important indicator of music literacy, is less important to us than the ability to learn music quickly and thoroughly. Trust us, members become fantastic sight readers once they’ve been in YNYC for even a short period of time!

Do you have an attendance policy?

Members are expected to be at every rehearsal, but they may miss up to three rehearsals per concert cycle before being asked to not sing in a concert. We make exceptions on a very limited basis, primarily due to emergencies and other exceptional circumstances. We don’t offer “part checks” to see if members who have gone past the absence limit are prepared to sing in the concert, as that is a basic expectation of membership. Members are also expected to attend the Saturday rehearsal we hold once each concert cycle, as well as at their sectional that’s held outside of normal rehearsal. We recognize that our absence policy is more strict than some other choirs, but much of the work that we do is ensemble-based and requires in-person attendance.

Are there membership dues?

Yes — dues are $75 per concert cycle ($150 a year.) We have a discounted rate of $60 for those with limited financial capacity (i.e. un/underemployed, students, etc.) However, dues waivers are always available for those who need them — no one who is offered membership in YNYC is ever turned away for lack of financial capacity.

Do I need to pay for sheet music?

Nope! This is included in your membership dues. We provide octavos and print music for those who use paper copies. We also have PDFs of scores available for most pieces, though we do require members to use paper copies for particularly unique works or ones with sensitive copyright elements.

Do I need to sell a certain number of tickets for each concert?

Nope! Our concerts often come close to capacity, and members do a great job of promoting our performances!