irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2023
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $162KNYYS JAZZ PROVIDES TRAINING IN PERFORMANCE OF JAZZ MUSIC TO 15 MUSICIANS. THERE ARE MULTIPLE PERFORMANCES SEASONALLY.
- #2 $237KCHAMBER MUSIC PROGRAM PROVIDES TRAINING IN PERFORMANCE OF CHAMBER MUSIC TO 114 MUSICIANS. THERE ARE MULTIPLE PERFORMANCES SEASONALLY.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Chamber Music Program
Training program for small ensembles including string quartets, piano trios, and wind quintets with performances at Merkin Hall and Carnegie Hall
First Music Commissioning Program
Commissions world premieres from young American composers performed by NYYS ensembles
Symphony Orchestra
Advanced orchestral training program for musicians aged 12-22 featuring performances at Carnegie Hall, professional-level instruction, and recording opportunities
The Unsung
Initiative promoting repertoire by historically underrepresented composers including Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, LGBTQIA+, and women composers
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Music Education and Training Programs 5 activities
- Admissions and Program ParticipationOperates competitive, audition-based programs with an acceptance rate of 48% during the 2022–2023 season, offering free audition tutoring for Crescendo Orchestra applicants.
- Apprentice Conducting ProgramProvides training in orchestral conducting through weekly classes, score study seminars, hands-on lab sessions, and mentorship from the Music Director. Participants lead performances of student compositions at National Sawdust.
- Composition Program with Workshops and PremieresSupports young composers through workshops, readings, and performances of original works by professional ensembles. Hosts annual concerts at National Sawdust featuring student compositions performed by NYYS ensembles, and offers specialized reading sessions with musicians from DECODA and NYYS principal players.
- Crescendo Orchestra for Young String MusiciansOffers a free, audition-based string orchestra program for younger musicians from NYC’s five boroughs, including free transportation, coaching, sectionals, masterclasses, and side-by-side mentoring with Symphony Orchestra members. Launched in the 2023–24 season.
- Student Achievement and College PlacementSupports student development with 100% of graduating seniors enrolling in college or conservatories, and students earning national recognition including Grammy nominations, Fischoff Competition finals, and membership in the National Youth Orchestra of the USA.
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Commissioning New Musical Works 2 activities
- Jon Deak First Music Commissioning ProgramCommissions and premieres new works by young American composers each season—three orchestral works annually—through the Jon Deak First Music Commissioning Program, with all premieres performed by NYYS ensembles at major venues since 1984, totaling over 170 commissioned works.
- Recognition and Awards for Artistic ExcellenceRecognized with the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance and 15 ASCAP Awards for adventurous programming, reflecting high artistic standards in performance and repertoire.
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Accessibility Services for Cultural Programs 1 activity
- Accessibility and Inclusion in Program VenuesEnsures all rehearsal, masterclass, and concert venues are ADA accessible, supporting inclusive participation across all programs.
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Community Music Performances & Education 1 activity
- Community Engagement through Student PerformancesRequires student ensembles to perform in community settings, including for children and senior citizens across NYC’s five boroughs, and mandates inclusion of works by historically underrepresented composers (Black, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, women, etc.) in each season’s programming.
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Nonprofit Music Recording and Distribution 1 activity
- Jazz Program with Performance, Recording, and MasterclassesOperates an audition-based jazz ensemble that performs at major NYC jazz venues, releases professional recordings (including the debut album *Lineage* on Avie Records), and hosts masterclasses with renowned jazz artists such as Arturo O’Farrill, Maria Schneider, and Joe Lovano.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Performance Training and Concert Programming for Young MusiciansOffers high-level performance opportunities in symphony orchestra, chamber music, jazz, and musical theater songwriting at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and National Sawdust. Performs three concerts annually at Carnegie Hall and presents world premieres of new works each season.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$4.45M
Contributions & grants$2.60M58%
Program service revenue$263K6%
Investment income$1.57M35%
Other revenue$16K
expenses
Total expenses$2.18M
Program expenses66%
Admin / overhead22%
Fundraising12%
Salaries & benefits$1.12M
Grants paid out$17K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$11.29M
Cash$81K
Investments$9.66M
Liabilities$1.15M
Net assets$10.13M
Liquid reserves53.6 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +130.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN KILKENNY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $151K |
| ELIZABETH MAURY | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT | 40 | $143K |
| IAN MADOVER | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING | 40 | $116K |
board members · 22
- AJAY RAI — TRUSTEE
- ANDREW HERNDON — TRUSTEE
- ANNA WEBER — TRUSTEE
- BARBARA FIELD — TRUSTEE
- BENSON CHAPMAN — TRUSTEE
- BETTINA BUSS — TRUSTEE
- CHRISTINE VAN ITALLIE — TRUSTEE
- ELLIOTT FORREST — TRUSTEE
- IAN SCHAEFER — TRUSTEE
- JEN ZHANG — TRUSTEE
- LIAM FENLON — TRUSTEE
- LOUIS CULOT — TRUSTEE
- MARICA VILCEK — TRUSTEE
- MELISSA EISENSTAT — CO-CHAIR
- MICHAEL A MARQUEZ — TRUSTEE
- MICHAEL CROUCH — TREASURER
- MICHAEL R DIYANNI — TRUSTEE
- MICHAEL RO — TRUSTEE
- PETER PARK — TRUSTEE
- RHEA GRAFFMAN COHEN — TRUSTEE
- RIMA VARGAS VETTER — TRUSTEE
- ROBERT H YUNICH — TRUSTEE
relationships · 27
Who they work with
- ASCAP Government — Supporter of the Composition Program.
- American Composers Orchestra Partner — Partnership through EarShot for recruitment and development of young composers; selected composers become eligible for future EarShot opportunities.
- Apollo Theater Partner — Performed at the Apollo Theater's Victoria Stages.
- Avie Records Partner — Released the Symphony Orchestra's first professional recording album
- Carnegie Hall Partner — Hosts NYYS activities at an ADA-accessible venue.
- Carnegie Hall Partner — Performance venue for NYYS programs
- Carnegie Hall Partner — Performance venue for New York Youth Symphony.
- Carnegie Hall Partner — Performance venue for the Symphony Orchestra's three annual concerts
- DECODA Partner — Professional ensemble that reads student compositions in the Orchestration Reading program alongside NYYS Orchestra musicians.
- DiMenna Center for Classical Music Partner — Hosts NYYS activities at an ADA-accessible venue.
- Guidestar Government — Displays a Silver Transparency Seal from Guidestar, indicating public reporting and accountability standards.
- Harmony Program Partner — Partner organization collaborating with the Crescendo Orchestra.
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Partner — Hosts NYYS activities at an ADA-accessible venue.
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Partner — Performance venue for NYYS programs
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Partner — Performance venue for New York Youth Symphony.
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Partner — Performed at Dizzy's Club, a venue operated by Jazz at Lincoln Center.
- Joe's Pub Partner — Hosts the annual final showcase for the Musical Theater Songwriting program.
- Joe’s Pub Partner — Hosts NYYS activities at an ADA-accessible venue.
- NEA Government — Supporter of the Composition Program.
- National Sawdust Partner — Hosts NYYS activities at an ADA-accessible venue.
- National Sawdust Partner — Hosts the annual Composition Date concert where NYYS chamber ensembles perform works by student composers.
- National Sawdust Partner — Hosts the annual Composition Date concert where NYYS conductors lead performances of original works.
- National Sawdust Partner — Performed at National Sawdust, a noted contemporary music venue.
- National Sawdust Partner — Venue for the annual final performance of student compositions.
- Opportunity Music Project Partner — Partner organization collaborating with the Crescendo Orchestra.
- The Jazz Gallery Partner — Performed at The Jazz Gallery in New York City.
- Youth Orchestra of St. Lukes Partner — Partner organization collaborating with the Crescendo Orchestra.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Composer-Performer Co-Creation Modelmethodology: composer-performer_collaborationBy integrating emerging composers and performers in collaborative development and premiere of new works, we advance artistic growth for both because joint authorship deepens interpretive understanding and expands creative capacity.
- Holistic Musician Development Frameworkmethodology: holistic_musician_developmentBy combining rigorous musical training with skill-building in public speaking, networking, and advocacy, we prepare students to be both accomplished musicians and engaged citizens because artistic excellence must be accompanied by civic agency.
- Inclusive Access Pipelinemethodology: access_equity_pathwayBy removing financial and structural barriers and actively centering underrepresented voices in repertoire and access, we expand orchestral participation among NYC youth because equitable access and representation are foundational to sustained engagement in classical music.
- Professional Immersion Modelmethodology: professional_immersion_trainingBy situating student training within professional contexts—such as performances in iconic venues and collaboration with working artists—we accelerate development because authentic experiences build identity, aspiration, and real-world readiness.
- Student-Driven Artistic Ownership Modelmethodology: student-led_ensemble_trainingBy placing students in charge of ensemble formation, repertoire selection, and independent rehearsal—supported by biweekly coaching—we develop advanced musicianship and collaboration skills because ownership fosters deeper artistic engagement and responsibility.