Greater Newark Youth Orchestras (GNYO)
The Greater Newark Youth Orchestras (GNYO) program gives students a great musical experience! Students receive weekly coaching from professional NJSO musicians and gain performance experience in an encouraging and motivating environment. In addition to developing musical talent, students participating in GNYO gain critical life skills including collaboration, leadership and problem solving.
“Being a part of the Greater Newark Youth Orchestras, moving my way up from the Violin Ensemble to the Chamber Orchestra, has been a journey like no other. Playing music with others is a great thing that takes hard work, communication and the dedicated resolve to do your best. Being a part of an orchestra has taught me how to be responsible and disciplined without compromising my love for having fun, and I know I can carry those precious qualities with me onto the stage for a concert, and into every aspect of my life right now and in the future.
—Jennifer D., violin, Union
Qualified middle- and high-school students—especially minority youth—make up GNYO’s three tiered ensembles, which perform two full concerts each year, as well as a chamber music concert and other performance opportunities.
One of the annual highlights is GNYO Gives Back Day, when student musicians visit the New Community Corporation nursing home and perform for the residents. This year, 42 students in six ensembles will give an hour-long concert for the home’s residents on Saturday, March 16. After last year’s GNYO Gives Back performance, Marie Creegan—who had a front-row seat—called the orchestra’s music “beautiful,” while others thought it was soothing and made them feel peaceful. Jahzeel P., then a junior at Union County Vocational Technical School’s Academy for Allied Health Sciences, said he derived just as much from the event as the residents. “I enjoy playing at nursing homes,” he said. “I get to use my gifts and talents as a musician to perform for people who normally wouldn’t have a chance to listen to orchestra music.”
To hear more from these talented students, attend their free chamber music concert at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark on Saturday, March 23, or their annual Spring Concert at Orange Preparatory Academy on Saturday, May 4.
“[My son] has finally found his spot where he could grow. By attending the workshops and mingling with other older kids, he has looked up to some of the youth orchestra students as role models (in music)—a big help for us parents. The training he got from his ensemble leader changed his attitude towards practicing as ‘working for excellence,’ because he has seen his goal as concrete and attainable. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”
—Mathilda Bulacan, Clifton
For more information about the Greater Newark Youth Orchestras program, click here.
If you know a student who may be interested in joining one of the ensembles, please ask them to visit www.njsymphony.org/gnyo for information and audition requirements.