In a positive nod towards youth arts programming, the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey (YOCJ) has shared its consistent yearly growth and continued commitment to providing opportunities for young musicians at a level beyond what is traditionally offered by school orchestras and bands.
“On average, we are back to pre-pandemic numbers with our annual membership at over 200 students,” said Phillip Pugh, artistic director, YOCJ. “This is an encouraging sign for music education and it underscores the passion and dedication of young musicians to develop their skills. We are proud to be a part of their musical journey.”
YOCJ offers 12 performing ensembles, including smaller chamber groups, featuring all instrumental families – the only organization providing this depth and breadth of programs in central New Jersey and surrounding areas.
The 2025-26 season includes concerts with guest artists, masterclasses with professional musicians, and access to concerts with renowned musicians through a partnership with Princeton Symphony Orchestra. Now in its sixth year, the partnership is the formalization of an ongoing relationship established through the PSO’s BRAVO! Education Program which encourages young musicians and their families to be exposed to extensive performance repertoire and be inspired by professional artists. Integral to the partnership, the PSO expanded its assistant conductor position to include leadership of YOCJ’s Symphonic Orchestra. The YOCJ Symphonic Orchestra is conducted by Kenneth T. Bean, assistant conductor of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO).
On January 18, Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Principal Cellist Yumi Kendall will perform the Dvork Cello Concerto at the winter concert with YOCJ’s Symphonic Orchestra at The College of New Jersey’s Kendall Hall. Additional repertoire at the winter concert includes Czech Suite by Dvorak, Divertimento No.11 in D by Mozart and Capriol Suite by Peter Warlock as well as Symphony in D by Boccherini, among several other pieces.
YOCJ collaborates with many leading musicians to provide unique learning opportunities for students. On March 10, Kendall will lead a string masterclass while musicians from PSO will work with woodwinds, brass and percussion students to help hone their skills. In addition, a saxophone masterclass will be led by Stacy Wilson, principal saxophonist West Point Concert Band and saxophone faculty at Montclair State University.
YOCJ will hold small ensemble concerts on December 13 and April 25 featuring woodwind, saxophone, percussion, and brass choirs and ensembles. Students in the Flute Choir benefit from working with piccolo, alto flute and bass flute in addition to the traditional C-flute to create a full choral sound. The Senior Solo Competition will take place on May 17.
Visit yocj.org for more information.