Class of 2022
Read about the graduates from the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Class of 2022.
New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra
Coached by New Jersey Symphony musicians, the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra gives qualified middle- and high-school students—especially Black and Latinx youth in the Greater Newark area—unparalleled opportunities to achieve personal and musical excellence.
Fall auditions will be held on Saturday, September 17th at Montclair State University.
To register to audition, click the “Apply for Program” button above. In-person auditions are strongly recommended. However, there will be a Zoom alternative for students not available on September 17th. For more information, please email education@njsymphony.org with the subject line “Youth Orchestra inquiry” and a member of the Education team will respond.
Watch the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra Virtual Performance of the Theme from Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony
Go behind the scenes of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra through a spotlight series presented by M&T Bank.
About the Program
The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra brings together students of all skill levels who share a passion for music. There are four performing ensembles that are sequential in level, creating a pathway for students to flourish and grow under the guidance of the Symphony’s expert faculty:
In addition to great music making across four performing ensembles, benefits of the program include:
- Coaching by New Jersey Symphony musicians
- Individualized instruction and musicianship training
- Flexibility especially designed for students in marching band
- Volunteer opportunities and mentorship training
- Additional performance opportunities for advanced students
- Complimentary tickets to select New Jersey Symphony concerts
- Supportive peer-to-peer environment
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Rehearsal Days & Locations
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In 2022–23, Youth Orchestra ensembles will rehearse in-person on Saturdays from 9:30 am–3:00 pm (exact time depends on ensemble placement). The virtual ensemble track will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:00 pm.
Students must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate in person. The virtual ensemble track is an alternative designed for students who are not vaccinated.
In-person rehearsals take place at John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. Students from the Greater Newark area are welcome to ride the free shuttle bus provided by the Symphony from Newark to MSU.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What should my child/student prepare for the audition?
Click here for auditions requirements and orchestral excerpts that should be prepared, along with a solo piece. We recommend that your child prepare by playing the notes accurately and following the indicated tempo and dynamics; that the artistry and interpretation of the solo piece is appropriate to their level; and most importantly, that they play with confidence!What should my child/student play for his/her solo piece?
A solo piece should be a piece that best represents his/her current playing abilities. Please review the audition requirements for the ensemble for which he/she will be auditioning. The solo piece does not need to be memorized, and will be performed unaccompanied (there is NO piano available.) Solo pieces should be 2–3 minutes in length. Longer movements for more advanced students are fine, but please be aware the adjudicators may stop the student before the movement is complete, for time’s sake.Will my child/student need to play all of the orchestral excerpts?
Your child/student should prepare all of the orchestral excerpts listed under the requirements for the ensemble for which he/she will be auditioning. It is up to the adjudicators’ discretion whether or not all excerpts will be played during the audition.
Is there an audition fee?
No. There is no fee to audition for the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra.How much does participation in the program cost?
For the participation fee structure for 2021–22, please contact education@njsymphony.org.Do you accept students with little or no playing experience?
The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra offers beginner/preparatory strings instruction to students in the Greater Newark area only, through our Training Ensemble, which provides individualized instruction, subsidized instrument rentals (only a $20 instrument fee is charged per student) and musicianship training.What if the audition deadline has already passed?
Occasionally, there will be openings during the season for select instruments. Contact education@njsymphony.org to find out if there are openings for your instrument.
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Join the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra Alumni Network
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Are you among the program’s alumni? We would love to reconnect with you!
We invite you to fill out this brief questionnaire and join our Facebook group.
Graduating Classes
Related Programs
El Sistema New Jersey Alliance
Funded by The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, El Sistema New Jersey is a unique alliance of El Sistema-inspired music-instruction programs across the Garden State. Keys 2 Success, the Paterson Music Project, Sister Cities Girlchoir (Camden), Trenton Music Makers and Union City Music Project are the anchor programs of this network. The aim of El Sistema New Jersey is to provide collaborative training, performance and professional-development opportunities that empower participating families to come together in a statewide musical community.
El Sistema | National Resources
New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra Artistic Leadership
A group of dedicated professionals leads the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra.
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Sponsors make this program possible. Thank you!
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- Anna Drago
- BD
- Marjorie Bunnell Charitable Fund
- Merck Foundation
- M&T Bank
- New Jersey State Council on the Arts
- Turrell Fund
This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The New Jersey Symphony Training Ensemble is supported by the following sponsors, in addition to those listed above:
- Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation
- Broadridge Foundation
- Ken and Susan Fahrenholtz
- The Leavens Foundation
- The Harold I. and Faye B. Liss Foundation
- Verizon
- Victoria Foundation