About Us

Our goal at Brookhaven Art & Music is to create a safe and nurturing environment for the young musician by providing quality instruction through diverse musical experiences and performance opportunities.

BAM Summer Music Students

Since 1995 Brookhaven Art & Music/Brookhaven Youth Orchestra has been offering music and art programs for students K- 12.

We are a local community-based organization servicing over 500 participants/students throughout Suffolk county and is currently housed by the South Country School District in the Bellport Middle School.

We employ over 20 educators, staff and assistants who are all NYS certified K-12 holding both Bachelors and Masters degrees.

We consistently donate instruments and music to students in need, as well as, coaching sessions for both county and state competitions.

Our History

  • 1995

    BYO Brookhaven Youth Orchestra founded, Mr. Phil Gelfer founder and conductor. BYO began with 1 string orchestra. 9 students attended the first rehearsal February 2nd 1995.

  • 1996

    Brookhaven Youth Orchestra grows to 22 student members. First annual concert at Bellport Community Center. BYO competes at Music in the Parks and receives 1st place with superior rating as well as judges choice award. Fees per session were $8.00.

  • 1997

    BYO Orchestra expands to a full symphony orchestra with a total of 85 student musicians. BYO performs at the historic Patchogue Theatre.

  • 1998

    BYO officially becomes BYO and Arts Academy and BYO Grand Opening is celebrated. BYO goes online. BYO adds several ensembles including: Junior Strings, Wind Ensemble, Junior Band, Intermediate Band, Blue Grass university, Classical Figure Drawing, Guitar Lessons and Chamber Orchestra

  • 1999

    5 Year Anniversary - BYO grew to 8 performing ensembles including 3 instructional groups, 4 fine arts classes, 2 musical organizations and an art gallery. BYO opens for NY pops, Conductor Skitch Henderson, at the Brookhaven Amphitheater. BYO performs at SUNY Stony Brook, Staller Center for the Arts. BYO performs at Bellport Day and the Papier Art Gallery has their fist exhibit. BYO leases new space in the Bellport Outlet Center II in Bellport NY with a Grand re-opening. Symphonic band begins as well as the BYO Philharmonic.

  • 2001

    BYO performs with the New York Philharmonic and Skitch Henderson at Lincoln Center NYC. Phil Gelfer leaves BYO to begin Brookhaven Art & Music

  • 2002

    Brookhaven Art & Music (BAM) becomes a Not for Profit organization. BAM begins offering summer music at Three Village Schools in Setauket NYDescription goes here

  • 2012

    The Young People's Orchestra begins in Bellport NY. YPO merges with Bellport Youth Ensemble. BAM offers the Young People's Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and the BYE Chorus

  • 2012

    July -- Premiere concert of the Young People's Orchestra at the Bellport Community Center. 1st annual cocktail party fundraiser in Bellport NYs here

  • 2013

    YPO participates in the Music in the Parks festival in NJ. BAM beings annual Mother's Day Plant Sale Fundraiser