Alumni News & Testimonials

I had the great honor of joining the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey (YOCJ) Saxophone Choir for my senior year in high school. There is no question that I found at YOCJ a meaningful home for my musical journey, leading to college. Dr. Smith is an impactful conductor, and playing in his ensemble offered exposure to varied interesting pieces, challenging music, and camaraderie with other serious classical saxophonists. I also recognized in Dr. Smith the qualities of a successful educator: encouraging, inclusive, trusting, and passionate. In addition to the saxophone choir, I was a member of the saxophone quartet. I developed leadership, communication, and problem solving skills as the four of us saxophonists worked together, independent of a conductor. I got experience in chamber music, including learning how intonation and balance are vital in chamber performance especially as each individual instrument is isolated with little room for error.

Most memorably, from my year at YOCJ, was that Dr. Smith—upon learning of my interest in composition—invited me to compose and conduct an original work for the saxophone choir. The process challenged me to levels: First writing the multi-movement piece, having the ensemble test play it, then editing the composition further, to conduct it during rehearsals and finally at the Spring Large Ensembles Concert. This was the pinnacle of my musical career to date, and allowed me to explore my potential as a composer, my abilities as a conductor, and overall my artistic skill and leadership. As I head to Rutgers University in the fall for music education, there is no question that this past year at YOCJ equipped me better than I could have imagined for my transition to college. Both for the experience in a saxophone studio and for music collaboration, appreciation, and education in general.

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.

One of the great parts of this program lies in its deep ties to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. It was great to be able to learn from PSO musicians and from their assistant conductor Kenneth Bean, who all always pushed us to play our best. We also had the privilege of attending their live concerts, which made us feel like active members of a thriving arts community. It was also great to be a part of an orchestra with other students who were kind and eager to learn.

Being part of YOCJ for the past four years has honestly been amazing. I’ve learned so much—not just about playing the viola, but also about working with others, performing, and just growing as a musician.

The teachers here are incredible. They’ve always been super supportive and pushed me to do my best. I’ve had so many great experiences thanks to this group, and one of the highlights was definitely our Europe trip. Playing in those beautiful places and getting to travel with friends while doing what we love was something I’ll never forget.

I’m really thankful for all the memories, the music, and everything I’ve learned. So glad I got to be part of this!

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!

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.

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!

I had been playing the cello for nearly two years when I joined YOCJ in 7^th 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.