Spotlight on ... NJSO Concerts for Young People

NJSO Concerts for Young People introduce students from grades K–8 to the joys of a live orchestra concert. One of the highlights for audience members and performers alike is the side-by-side performance of high school orchestra musicians with the NJSO.

Each year, students prepare the music with their orchestra teachers during school, and then are treated to a visit from NJSO Education & Community Engagement Conductor Jeffrey Grogan. He rehearses them at their school before they join the NJSO for the dress rehearsal. During that side-by-side rehearsal, NJSO musicians coach their student stand partners on the music, providing valuable one-on-one feedback and encouragement.

On the day of the performance, students gather backstage, anxiously awaiting their moment to walk on stage. As the performance begins, everything falls into place. All the time spent practicing and rehearsing pays off as an audience of fellow students erupts in applause.

After performing on stage with the NJSO, one orchestra teacher said, “Side-by-side students have shown an increased motivation to practice their instruments, increased interest in classical music and an increased interest in the piece rehearsed.”

Learn more about Concerts for Young People, including the spring performances at four locations throughout the Garden State.

Make a gift in support of the NJSO’s Education & Community Engagement programs.
 

All photos above are of Arts High School Orchestra students in their annual side-by-side performance with the NJSO at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.