New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra

Coached by New Jersey Symphony musicians, Youth Orchestra comprises four performing ensembles, creating a pathway for students to flourish in a collaborative environment. The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra gives qualified middle- and high-school students—especially African-American and Latino youth in the Greater Newark area—unparalleled opportunities to achieve personal and musical excellenc

e. Coaching by Symphony musicians and a supportive peer-to-peer environment provide quality learning and performing experiences and build a unique culture of collaboration. The achievements of this program and its impact on the lives of these young musicians have received national recognition from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. The program is comprised of four ensembles—Academy Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Ensemble and Training Ensemble—which perform concerts and/or showcases each year and participate in masterclasses and workshops with renowned guest artists. The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra annually serves more than 200 students from 11 counties across northern and central New Jersey. Students who play orchestral instruments can apply for membership in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra. Auditions are held in May or June each year for Academy Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra and String Ensemble.