BMF Youth Orchestra in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions

The BMF Youth Orchestra (BMFYO) has been invited by UNESCO and is officially organized in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
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This pioneering and inclusive training ensemble unites visually impaired and sighted youth musicians, fostering musical excellence, leadership, and meaningful cultural exchange. Through shared music-making, mutual learning, and enhanced awareness of visual impairment, the program promotes both artistic growth and social inclusion.

This program offers students a unique opportunity to take part in the official UNESCO 20th Anniversary celebrations, representing youth musicians on an international stage.

Leadership:

• BMF Artistic Director & Principal Conductor: Helen Cha-Pyo
• BMFYO Artistic Director: Khullip Jeung
• BMFYO Music Director: Jisun Kang
• BMFYO Head Faculty: Miyun Chung

The application period closed.

Eligibility: Open to both sighted and visually impaired youth
Division 1 (Grades 3–8): Viola, Cello, Bass
Division 2 (Grades 9–12): Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Bassoon, Timpani
*Some 8th graders may be eligible for Division 2 depending on audition results.

Program Details

Rehearsals & Coaching

• Guided by distinguished directors, participants will receive exceptional mentorship.
  There will be 5–6 rehearsals leading up to the concert.
• Division 1 Rehearsals: Sundays, 5:00–7:00 PM, from November 16 to December 21
• ​Division 2 Rehearsals: Sundays, 5:00–8:00 PM, from November 23 to December 21
• All participants must attend the mandatory rehearsals on December 21 (5–8 PM) — Orchestra Rehearsal & December 22 (5–7 PM) — Dress Rehearsal (Call time: 4:30 PM).​

• Participants may miss one non-mandatory rehearsal.
• Schedules are subject to change.
• Rehearsal Locations: 

​           November 16 & December 14: 430 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
           All other rehearsals: 55 Magnolia Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670
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Performance Opportunity

• Mandatory participation in the BMFYO Concert at Symphony Space (Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025) on Monday, December 22 at 7:30 PM.

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Community Service

• Students may earn active and non-active community service hours through their participation.

BMF Stage Assistance Certificate Program – Supporting Blind Musicians

• Also invited by UNESCO and officially organized in celebration of the UNESCO Convention’s 20th anniversary.
• Provides specialized training to safely and respectfully assist blind and visually impaired musicians.
• Mandatory for all sighted BMFYO members (not required for visually impaired students).
• Delivered as an online training and certification course. Members must complete the course and submit a copy of the certificate by November 14, as a requirement to their participation in the BMFYO. 

Leadership Development

• Through the BMFYO Student Council, members will gain leadership experience, contribute to program planning, and engage actively with the community.

Application & Audition Deadline

• October 31 – Application & Audition Deadline (Application & Audition Fee: $120, including video audition submission) Audition Requirement: One solo work (under 10 minutes), submitted via YouTube link.

Fees

• Application & Audition Fee: $120
• Program Fee: $380 (includes 5–6 rehearsal sessions + concert participation)

1. ​Scholarships are available for students demonstrating financial need (proper documentation required).
2. Sibling Discount: 5% off program fee is available.

• Certificate Program Fee: $50 (This fee is paid at the time of online program registration).​

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For inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 551-255-0570

​*This program is made possible in part by a grant administered by the Bergen County Division of Historic & Cultural Affairs from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.