The Boyajian Young Choir Directors Program (BYCDP), organized by the Sacred Music Council of the Eastern Diocese, brought together a group of faithful and talented youth for three days of musical and liturgical training. The program was held at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, in Armonk, NY, from July 6-8.
This year’s BYCDP was led by Dn. Ari Terjanian, member of the Sacred Music Council (SMC) and choir director of St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, OH, and coordinated and directed by SMC chair Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James Church in Evanston, IL.
The BYCDP’s aim was to deepen participants’ knowledge of faith and liturgics, music, and leadership, ultimately to inspire them in their vocation to serve the church and grow in fellowship with fellow, like-minded Armenian Christians.
Dn. Ari provided instruction regarding musical fundamentals, including ear training & music theory, interpretation of Armenian Sacred Music, as well as instruction in conducting technique, with several hours of real-time feedback and opportunities for participants to practice in front of their peers.
Additional sessions included “Badarak 101,” led by Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, pastor at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church, White Plains, NY, and “Finding Your Pitch: Leadership Mindset for Choir & Choir” by Emily Terjimanian, assistant choir director at Holy Trinity Church, Cheltenham, PA, and a graduate of the BYCDP.
The group also enjoyed a Q&A and discussion with the Vicar of the Eastern Diocese, Fr. Simeon Odabashian. These sessions deepened participants understanding of the Divine Liturgy and provided practical guidance for leadership.
The seven talented participants ranged in age from 14 to 17, and hailed from Diocesan parishes around the country. They included: Nare Melik-Stepanyan (St. Mary Church, Washington, DC), Ani Mnatsakanian (Holy Ascension, Trumbull, CT), Maria Baloyan (St. Mary, Washington, DC), Ara Mnatsakanian (Holy Ascension, Trumbull, CT), Haik Vatinyan (St. Sarkis, Dallas, TX), Jacob Lewis (St. Sarkis, Dallas, TX), and Aren Saraydarian (Holy Martyrs, Bayside, NY).
These participants remained at St. Nersess following the BYCDP to participate in the “Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Youth Choir Workshop,” where they had the opportunity to apply what they had learned. During the Vartavar Badarak on Sunday, July 12, they conducted hymns alongside Emily Terjimanian—allowing them to cement what they had learned at BYCDP.
The Boyajian Young Choir Directors Program is named in honor of the late Dr. Socrates Boyajian, a greatly beloved figure in the Eastern Diocese during his lifetime, and a pioneer in inspiring young musical talents in the Armenian Church, and educating them in the church’s heritage of sacred music.
The Sacred Music Council looks forward to continuing the BYCDP in the future as well as providing other opportunities for youth fellowship and development throughout the year. We pray our Lord continues to provide talented and willing youth to lead our parishes in worship.