BMI Foundation Presents Outstanding Service Award To New York Youth Symphony

The BMI Foundation has presented the New York Youth Symphony with a special Outstanding Service Award and a $25,000 grant acknowledging the organization for their “outstanding contributions to music education and excellence in performance over many decades.” In making the presentation, BMI Foundation President Ralph N. Jackson said, “we are delighted to recognize this truly exemplary music organization, which has made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many young performers and composers and has contributed to the artistic vitality of New York City for so many years.” Jackson also gratefully acknowledged the Music Publishers Association for their generous donation, which fully funded this special award.

The New York Youth Symphony is the metropolitan area’s leading provider of tuition-free services to musicians, ages 12-22, with programs designed to educate by motivating players through performances. Award-winning programs in orchestral training, conducting, chamber music, jazz, and composition offer teenage and college-age musicians an invaluable opportunity to make critical decisions about their future and to get training for a professional life in music. Central to the educational process is the challenging and motivational dynamic of performance. The 240 students enrolled are driven in their preparation toward the goal of performance. More than 20 such concerts are held annually in Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, Queens College, Weill Recital Hall, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. In addition to supporting the musicians in their training, the concerts serve an important need for affordable, high-quality performances with all tickets priced at $15 each for a public of concert-goers, comprising senior citizens, students, disadvantaged families, and people with disabilities.