YOCJ THROUGH THE YEARS
1978
The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey was founded in by the late Portia Sonnenfeld as a preparatory orchestra for the Mercer County Symphony Orchestra (now called the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra).
1990 – 2000
This 10-year period was one of much evolution and growth. The organization added several ensembles and in 1999 the orchestra was incorporated under the name “Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey,” encompassing three string orchestras, a wind ensemble and Saxophone Choir.
2000-2010
The Woodwind, Brass and Percussion ensembles and choirs gradually evolved during this decade bringing the total number of performance groups to 12.
2014
YOCJ traveled overseas for the first time, touring and performing in Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague.
2015
“Woodwind Chamber Players,” a variety of small woodwind ensembles comprised of students from the Symphonic Orchestra is formed.
2016
Formation and debut performance of the “YOCJ Saxophone Quartet”, coached by Dr. Jordan Smith and the rebirth of the Flute Choir under the baton of Ms. Sandy Olson.
2017
Second overseas tour sees YOCJ in Berlin and Leipzig Germany performing at world renowned concert halls such as Friedrichstadtkirche on the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin, and the Petri Kirche in Leipzig.
2017-18
YOCJ welcomes Mr. Chris Colaneri, new Percussion Director and expands the Flute Program.
YOCJ’s first Executive Director, Larisa Epps is hired, ushering in a new era for the organization in its growth and expansion.
2018
The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey celebrates its 40th Anniversary Season with several special events including a 40th Documentary and a 40th Anniversary Recital as well as alumni, students and conductors.
2019
In its 41st Season, YOCJ welcomes Oboist Barbara Witmer as the Symphonic Woodwind Coach.
2020-2021
YOCJ staff and students are committed to continuing their pursuit of music despite the global pandemic! In these unprecedented times, connections were made via many creative online Zoom presentations, mini-sessions and more!
YOCJ congratulates beloved Symphonic Director and Artistic Director, John Enz on his retirement and is thrilled to welcome long-time Assistant Artistic Director, Phillip Pugh to the role of Artistic Director.
A new and exciting partnership is formed with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO)! The partnership offers leadership of the Symphonic Orchestra under the baton of PSO’s Assistant Conductor and promises to have a profound impact on all YOCJ students by giving special access to PSO concerts, Guest Artist “Meet and Greet” opportunities, sectional rehearsals, and future Side by Side concert events.
2021
YOCJ was one of seven youth orchestras in the United States that was selected to participate in the Orchestra Residency Program (ORP) of Midori, world renowned violin virtuoso! This collaborative project aimed to provide meaningful musical experiences to keep the next generation of musicians engaged and excited even from afar! Included were several workshops and two select ensembles that rehearsed and performed a virtual online concert with Midori as soloist in a Concertino for Violin and Orchestra by composer Derek Bermel.
2021-22
YOCJ returns to in-person rehearsals at the Prince of Peace Church and to in-person concerts at Rider University where we hosted David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra as our 2022 soloist and clinician.
2022-23
YOCJ returns to rehearsals at West Windsor Plainsboro High School North and to concerts at TCNJ’s Kendall Hall for the annual Winter Large Ensemble Concert where we hosted Billy Hunter, Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera as our 2023 soloist and clinician.
2023
YOCJ goes to Washington D.C.! Students delighted the crowds in the nation’s capital with performances at the World War II Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.
2023-2024
Austria, here we come! YOCJ is thrilled to travel overseas once again to Austria in the summer of 2024 for performances in Salzburg, Vienna, and Esterhazy Palace.
