Natalie Cheng
The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey (YOCJ) has fundamentally broadened my worldview. Through its diverse concert repertoire, I was introduced to music from a wide range of cultures. I developed an appreciation for both Western and non-Western traditions while discovering the shared artistic values that connect composers across continents. At a time of political polarization and growing socioeconomic divides, YOCJ has shown me how music can foster cultural empathy by uniting students from different racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds who might not otherwise have crossed paths.
Specifically, one of the most meaningful outcomes of my experience at YOCJ was the community it created beyond rehearsals. Through programs like the Chamber Music Summer Camp, I built friendships with students from school districts across New Jersey. Daily coaching sessions from YOCJ’s staff in the intimate setting of a string quartet taught me how to communicate with others and express my ideas through both my instrument and my voice. The relationships I built through YOCJ inspired us to launch our own initiatives that used music to serve our local communities. These included music nonprofits and volunteer chamber groups that brought live performances to schools, senior homes, and refugee communities. The musicianship, mentorship, and spirit of service fostered by YOCJ made those projects possible. My experience demonstrates that arts education extends beyond learning an instrument and empowers young people to build stronger, more connected communities through music. In essence, YOCJ changed not only how I see the world, but also how I contribute to it.
