Amidst BCA’s busy academic culture, where else do students turn to take a break? From math problems, to essays, to research presentations; despite the academic coursework that frequent our daily lives, the academies are also home to a creative student body keen to explore their individual artistic passions and interests alongside their regular classes. 

In the spring of 2023, BCA Music student Iris Hur was selected as a 2023 National YoungArts finalist in the Classical Music discipline, an incredible achievement in this highly prestigious arts competition. Luckily, Iris was happy to talk about her personal experience and provide an inside look through her process from an applicant to a finalist, as well as the journey she has led as a musician. To the aspiring BCA artist, this may be something you’d want to check out.

So… What is YoungArts?

When it comes to artistic skill, many talented teens have difficulty searching for an outlet to showcase their work and expertise. Most acknowledged programs are exclusive to professionals, leaving the generational youth with limited opportunities to validate their artistry. 

This is where YoungArts comes in—through this competition, young artists ages 15 to 18 years old are given the chance to gain national recognition for their various crafts across 10 disciplines. Benefits of becoming an award winner not only extend to the eligibility of becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, but they also get to join a community of mentors and resources—for life! 

Of course, this can only mean the selection process is highly competitive. But for young students, it is a rare space to gain artistic merit and meet a society of individuals who you’ll learn are full of as much passion for the arts as you are yourself.

Iris Hur as a Violist

For Iris, classical music has long been a preeminent part of her life. She was only in second grade when she picked up the viola, and has continued to play it passionately for the past ten years. 

Despite having devoted so much of her life to her instrument, she disclosed how she had never imagined music being as important to her as it is now. 

“I actually didn’t have any intention of going this far,” she shared. “But here I am now…!” 

By encouragement of her teacher in Korea (whom she traveled to meet frequently for lessons), Iris auditioned for Juilliard in the fifth grade and ultimately started attending the pre-college program that following year. It was at this point when her musical network expanded, and her life began to revolve around music.

The Application Process

Of the ten disciplines offered by YoungArts, Iris—of course—applied for the Classical Music discipline. There are specific requirements unique to each discipline, and in Iris’s case, she was required to submit digital video recordings of the given musical repertoire. To prepare, she brought the pieces to her summer music program where she could practice and hone her skills. It was a two month work-in-progress, and after, she frequently referred to her teachers for feedback all the way up to the application deadline in October. 

Given that the application always opens in January, preparing for YoungArts is bound to be a challenging, year-long process. However, this process in and of itself can be considered one of the most valuable aspects of the competition; the creative growth that artists undergo throughout the application process is truly immeasurable.

The Experience

With dedication comes unimaginable surprises.

Like any other school day, Iris was heading to Boston Market when she noticed a voicemail pop up on her phone. The caller was from Miami—curiously, she tapped open the voice memo. All of a sudden, a scream rang throughout the walls of Boston Market. 

The message was from Youngarts:

“Congratulations, you’ve been selected as a finalist in the Classical Music category!” the voice announced cheerfully. “Can you come to Miami for National YoungArts Week?” 

As a finalist, Iris was invited to a week-long intensive in Miami to continue to the finale. Accepting the invitation, the next few months were full of anticipation for Iris as January approached—she even packed a bathing suit in hopes that they would have the chance to take some free time for themselves.

Unfortunately, she soon learned they would not, in fact, get any free time during the trip as the entire week was packed with activities and events. Since there were so many different disciplines, all of the finalists had the opportunity to learn about various types of artistic areas. From art museums, to dance exhibitions, to songwriting classes, it was an eye-opening experience where all ten disciplines came together to reshape the creative composition of each and every attending artist. 

At dinners, Iris got to know the other finalists personally, and it was during these conversations that she came to the startling realization of just how accomplished everyone at that dinner table was. In such a stimulating space of incredible young artists, Iris felt even more driven to push forward towards her musical aspirations.

Advice

Applying to YoungArts can certainly be an intimidating feat. Admittedly, Iris expressed how she had felt discouraged in the beginning when she was picking out her pieces. She needed to find a piece that really reflected her skills, but felt lost trying to figure out what would best showcase her talent to the judges. In the end, however, she went with the repertoire that she resonated with and that she felt would represent her wholly as a player. 

Even for non-musicians, the artistic craft that you create should be an authentic reflection of yourself. By taking the opportunity to participate in this competition, you will hopefully develop a greater understanding of yourself as an artist—an aspect that will surely be recognized through your submissions.