The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey has been providing outstanding opportunities for talented young musicians in Central New Jersey since 1978.

The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey brings together some of the finest young musicians in our region to participate and excel in a nurturing and challenging musical environment. Over 200 elementary through high school students, all of whom take private lessons and participate in their schools’ music programs, make up its twelve performance groups. There are three levels for strings: String Preparatory Orchestra, Pro Arte Orchestra, and the advanced Symphonic Orchestra. There is a Wind Symphony and many small ensembles for brass, percussion, saxophone, flute, and woodwind students. Other special events include Masterclasses, Chamber Recitals, Tours, and Summer Camps! Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from October through May. Auditions for new students are held in January, June and September. Our next audition date:  January 28, 2025 & June 3, 2025. Click HERE for more audition information! Like us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM!

Philadelphia Orchestra Flutist Patrick Williams, YOCJ Guest Artist

YOCJ is thrilled to announce that our guest artist for the 2024-25 season is the flutist, Patrick Williams! Mr. Williams was appointed associate principal flutist of The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2018 by Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Mr. Williams is also currently adjunct instructor of flute at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. YOCJ is pleased to present Mr. Williams performing the Reineke Flute Concerto with our Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Kenneth T. Bean, on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at TCNJ’s Kendall Hall. Additionally, Patrick Williams will be our woodwind clinician on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at our Woodwind Masterclass. 

YOCJ Partnership with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) 

The 2024-2025 Season marks the fifth year of our amazing partnership with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra! We are looking forward to another season with Maestro Kenneth Bean, PSO coaches for sectionals, as well as the outstanding concerts of PSO’s upcoming season!

Accessibility

YOCJ is committed to making all of our events accessible to all our patrons. Click HERE for more information and email us with any requests and questions that you might have: executivedirector@yocj.org

The 2022 Splash Reel was created by Briann Dixon Videography

2024-2025 Sponsor Opportunities Available!

YOCJ is pleased to feature monthly sponsors on our home page, and on our social media! We are officially accepting new sponsor inquiries for the 2024-2025 Season. Click HERE to learn more, while all possible ad opportunities are still available! Please email us with questions that you have: executivedirector@yocj.org