Larisa Epps, Executive Director for the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Montclair State University, as a Governor’s Teaching Scholar, with a degree in Music Education. She was a string specialist in the public schools from 1993 to 1999, working in Summit, NJ as well as the Manalapan-Englishtown District. Additionally, she runs a private violin and viola studio in Hamilton Square since 2000. Mrs. Epps was the site coordinator for the NJ American String Teacher Association (ASTA) Certificate Advancement Program Exams held at Rider University from 2008 to 2016. She is honored to be sharing her life long passion for music and her love of organizing events, with this unique youth orchestra, that has made such a noteworthy impact on generations of young musicians! Mrs. Epps joined the staff of YOCJ in 2017.