Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program

- 900 St Marks Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213

For parents and young people across the New York metropolitan area, finding a constructive, enriching, and safe environment for youth development is paramount. The Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program (BU) stands out as a premier organization that is far more than just a summer camp organizer. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, BU is a dynamic performing arts group, a dedicated after-school program, and a specialized music, drum, and dance school committed to transforming the lives of New York City youth aged 5-18.

The core mission of Brooklyn United is to empower and educate young people through the arts, primarily utilizing the captivating power of marching band, music, and dance. By focusing on four key pillars—Academic Support, Character Development, Skills Building, and Performance Opportunities—BU strives to cultivate strong, well-rounded, healthy, confident, and capable citizens. The organization is a recognized performing arts group whose high-energy marching band and drumline have earned a reputation as some of the country's most prestigious, performing at major venues and events across the state and beyond.

A central tenet of the program is its commitment to inclusivity and community. The organization proudly identifies as Black-owned and fosters an environment that is welcoming to all, explicitly noting its space as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space. This deliberate focus on belonging ensures that every young person who walks through their doors feels valued and encouraged to grow, both artistically and personally. According to one long-time parent, the program instills "pride in yourself" and a desire to "want the same for others," creating a true community for young people in Brooklyn.

Whether a young person is drawn to the rhythmic precision of the drumline, the self-expression of dance, or needs comprehensive academic assistance, Brooklyn United offers a robust and structured platform for them to learn, shine, and prepare for future success.

The physical hub for the Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program is conveniently located in a vibrant and accessible neighborhood in Brooklyn, making it an ideal central location for families throughout the New York City boroughs. The main facility acts as the center for the summer camp, after-school activities, and the various performing arts programs.

The program’s home base is at:

900 St Marks Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA

This location on St Marks Avenue places it within easy reach of numerous community transportation options, which is a major benefit for parents commuting to pick up their children. The organization's commitment to accessibility extends beyond the physical location, as its comprehensive after-school services include transportation solutions to accommodate New York families. The after-school program, for instance, specifically offers:

• Van Pick Up: Transportation services are provided from a wide array of local schools, making the transition from the school day to the program seamless for many families.
• Walking Pick Up: Convenient for students attending schools closer to the St Marks Avenue facility.

The accessibility of the location, combined with the logistical support for school pickups, ensures that children from various Brooklyn neighborhoods—including students from schools like PS 11, PS 93, PS 156, and multiple charter schools—can readily participate in the enriching programs.

Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program provides a multifaceted slate of services spanning education, arts, and character building, extending well beyond the typical offerings of a standard summer camp organizer. The programs are structured to offer year-round development for youth ages 5-18.

• Summer Camp Organization: The flagship summer program provides children ages 5–17 with a safe, positive, and structured summer experience. Activities focus on artistic growth, academic enrichment, and skill-building in music, art, and sport.
• Performing Arts Group Instruction: This is the heart of the organization, offering rigorous training in:
  • Dance: Instruction in various styles, focused on technical skills, choreography, and artistic expression.
  • Marching Band Drum & Horns: World-class instruction in percussion (drumline) and brass instruments, which are integral to the acclaimed marching band performances.
• After School Program: A robust offering for students that extends the academic day, including:
  • Homework Assistance / Academic Support: Dedicated time and peer tutoring to ensure students maintain high academic standards, striving for 100% of students to pass every class.
  • Pickup and Activity: A complete service that handles school pick-up and transitions students into an afternoon of structured arts and skill-building activities.
• Specialized School of Arts: Operating as a dedicated Music School, Drum School, and Dance School, providing deep, specialized instruction to nurture talent from beginner to advanced levels.
• Weekend Enrichment (Saturday Academy): An initiative that often includes both an academic hour and activity classes such as drums, dance, and even sports like basketball, catering to younger children (e.g., ages 5-13).
• Character and Leadership Development: Integrating mentorship and citizenship lessons into all activities to help members develop integrity, focus, teamwork, and leadership skills necessary for life beyond the performing arts.
• Performance Opportunities: Providing members with the chance to perform at major venues, community events, and private gatherings, building confidence and showcasing their skills to large audiences.

The distinct features of Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program highlight why it is a vital part of the New York youth community and a highly recommended program for parents.

• Dedicated Youth Development Focus: BU is organized around four core pillars—Academics, Character, Skills Building, and Performance—ensuring that success is measured not only on the stage but also in the classroom and the community.
• World-Class Performing Arts Credentials: The organization's marching band and drumline are renowned, providing young people with genuinely unique opportunities to perform at high-profile events in major entertainment venues across New York and the East Coast.
• Strong Emphasis on Academic Achievement: Through structured homework assistance and peer tutoring within the after-school program, BU demonstrates a profound commitment to educational success, linking performance opportunities to academic achievement.
• Inclusivity and Safety as a Priority: Identifying as both a Black-owned organization and a space that is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space, BU fosters a sense of belonging and community for a diverse range of young people in New York City.
• Comprehensive After-School Logistics: The essential service of school pick-up, including van service from multiple local schools, removes a significant logistical barrier for working parents across Brooklyn.
• Commitment to Community and Mentorship: Reviewers often praise the organization for helping children grow into "stronger leaders" and teaching them "what it is to give back," indicating a strong focus on mentorship and citizenship.
• Variety of Disciplines: Young members are not restricted to one art form. They are exposed to dance, multiple musical instruments, and sometimes even sports like basketball and karate, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience.

For parents and community members in the New York region looking to learn more about registration for the summer camp, after-school program, or performing arts groups, please use the following contact details.

Address:
900 St Marks Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA

Phone:
(347) 264-4069

Mobile Phone:
+1 347-264-4069

For New York parents seeking a youth program that delivers exceptional value, community, and structure, the Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program is highly worth choosing. The strength of this organization lies in its unique fusion of world-class arts training with a foundational commitment to holistic youth development. It's a structured program that does more than just fill a child's time; it actively works to build "outstanding citizens" and "tomorrow's leaders," as defined in its vision.

What sets BU apart from other Brooklyn summer camps or after-school programs is its ability to use the prestige and excitement of the performing arts—specifically the high-energy marching band and drumline—as a powerful magnet. This magnet draws young people in, but the four pillars—academics, character, skills, and performance—keep them engaged and on the path to success. The visible results of this approach are the confident performances and the development of strong leadership qualities in its members.

Furthermore, for a diverse city like New York, the explicit embrace of all young people through its commitment to being a safe, LGBTQ+ friendly space, led by a Black-owned business, ensures that the organization reflects and empowers the community it serves. Parents love that the program is comprehensive, addressing both logistical needs (school pick-up) and developmental needs (homework help, life skills). By choosing Brooklyn United, a family is choosing a "village" that is deeply invested in strengthening and encouraging their young person, providing them with a transformative journey "one beat at a time." While every program may face occasional challenges, the overwhelming sentiment from the community is one of love, encouragement, and a powerful sense of belonging that propels young members toward excellence.

Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program

900 St Marks Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA