Testimonials & Reviews

Emma LaDuke, Flute: I’ve been part of this organization for about 7 years now, and I can’t express enough the impact it’s had on me. I joined in 6th grade where I had no confidence in my abilities, and it felt like everyone was more skilled than me. As years went on, though, and I got more comfortable meeting new people and learning how to play in smaller ensembles, I started becoming a better performer and musician.

YOCJ not only gave me the opportunity to play in groups that I never had the chance to at my high school (flute choir, orchestra), but it also gave me the chance to meet countless other musicians who are just as passionate about music as I am. It feels like I grew up with YOCJ, and although it hurts my heart to finally be saying goodbye, I can say for certain that you all helped me to become a better musician and a better person. Thank you again for everything you’ve done to make YOCJ feel like home!

Chern Yang, Violinist: For me, YOCJ has been a wonderful place to experience repertoire, meet fellow musicians, practice and improve musicianship, and to simply enjoy music. From joining in fourth grade, to now having graduated high school, YOCJ has truly helped shape me into who I am today.I will never forget the Germany tour in sixth grade, where I got to experience touring with an ensemble for the first time. Though it may have been through rose-tinted glasses, I was taken aback by the beautiful cathedrals and halls we performed in (visually and acoustically!), the rich culture and history we were surrounded by, and also the experience of spending a trip doing nothing but performing and enjoying music. I gained such a deeper appreciation for music, history and culture. Just hearing Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony still brings back those fond memories.
I will never forget the YOCJ programs during COVID, where I got to debut a piece with Midori… over Zoom. Meeting and performing with her was an unforgettable experience, but so was the nightmarish process of rehearsing and recording online — deciphering pixelated conducting, listening to a crumbling ensemble, fighting with the third-party recording software, all while playing a piece that was deliberately staggered to sound like lag. I did, however, also gain from there the opportunity to join the Argus Quartet’s Composers’ Institute, which would enrich, empower, and forever change my journey as a composer.
These experiences, and so countless others, have impacted me so much. Yet above all, I will never forget the simple, week-to-week rehearsals. For eight years, YOCJ remained a comforting constant in my life. Every rehearsal, no matter how tired or how down I felt, I could unpack my instrument, sit down, and just forget about the world for a while, to simply enjoy creating music. Even though some rehearsals might have felt boring or tedious at the time, looking back I realize how important it was for me to have these moments of solace, and how incredibly fortunate I am to have had them. For every moment YOCJ has gifted me, I am grateful.
Sanjay Kaushik, Violinist: As a rising senior and member of the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey since 6th grade, I can confidently say that the community I found at YOCJ is a huge factor in sustaining my commitment to playing the violin. I look forward to the fun weekly rehearsals with my friends and enjoy our concerts led by our amazing Directors. Over the years, I have participated in various opportunities organized by YOCJ that helped me grow as a musician and as a team member.
 
My favorite memories are of meeting David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra. I was very fortunate to be coached in his Masterclasses. It was a great honor for me to play Principal Second Violin for Mr. Kim as he performed the mighty Beethoven Violin Concerto at our Winter concert. All of us were inspired not only by his incredible talent but also by his down to earth friendliness and genuine encouragement.
 
In my final year with YOCJ, I look forward to making more wonderful memories.  With college on the horizon I hope to be part of and contribute to a warm and collaborative community like YOCJ as I continue my musical journey.
 
Hello! I am Saanvi Mathur, a student of the String Preparatory Orchestra of YOCJ. YOCJ has been a fun experience for me because I got to do a lot of new things. They challenge the members to their extent to discover their true potential through learning complex pieces. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn and grow as a musician from events like masterclasses and concerts. My parents were able to attend some of my concerts, and from the skills that I’ve displayed during my performances, they have a reason to support my musical journey. My extended family all throughout the world have come to appreciate my skills and are looking forward to seeing my progress. My cousins also are inspired by my musical journey and intend to follow my footsteps. In addition to learning, I’ve also made a couple of friends during rehearsal time and during the rest of the season. Thank you YOCJ for providing so many opportunities and inspiring others through me!
 

Aarav Patel, Cellist: I had been playing the cello for nearly two years when I joined YOCJ in 7th grade. At that time, I had no idea of the growth and enjoyment I would experience being part of an orchestral community. Reflecting on the last five years, I can definitely say that YOCJ is more than just about playing your own instrument. Its about collaboration, teamwork, respect and commitment, all life skills that I, as a rising senior have valued immensely and will take with me into my college years and beyond. Musically, my favorite experiences have been playing with the world-renowned violinist Midori for a special, virtual concert during the pandemic, playing alongside the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, masterclasses with professional musicians and performing chamber music. There has been no shortage of opportunities that have fueled my passion for music, challenged me and helped me grow as a musician.