Kyson Zhou
When I joined Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey as a young elementary school student, I never imagined how much it would shape the course of my life. At first, it was simply a place where I could play music with other students. Over the years, however, it became a place where I learned perseverance, found mentors who believed in me, and discovered what it meant to be part of something greater than myself. One of my favorite memories was playing the Tchaikovsky Symphony 4 surrounded by friends I had grown up performing with. I realized we were creating something that would last far beyond that day. It wasn’t just about playing the right notes—it was about telling a story together. That experience taught me the value of collaboration, discipline, and striving for excellence alongside others who shared the same passion.
As I grew older, YOCJ became much more than an orchestra. It became a community that encouraged me through challenges, celebrated my successes, and gave me opportunities to grow as both a musician and a person. The confidence I gained from years of rehearsals and performances helped prepare me for college auditions and ultimately led me to accept a full scholarship to the McDuffie Center for Strings to study violin performance. Looking back, I realize that the greatest gift YOCJ gave me was not a performance or an award—it was a place where I learned that hard work, community, and the arts have the power to change lives. Organizations like YOCJ do far more than teach young people how to play an instrument. They create lifelong friendships, strengthen communities, and inspire students to dream beyond what they once thought was possible. I am incredibly grateful that I was able to grow up in that environment, and I know I will carry those lessons with me for the rest of my life.
