About The Brass Program

The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey’s Brass program consists of 2 levels for trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba students: The Brass Ensemble and The Brass Choir. Both groups perform a wide variety of music from Baroque to Contemporary.

The Brass Ensemble is conducted by Michael Anzuini.  Created to give younger musicians the opportunity to practice as a chamber group, the Brass Ensemble performs with YOCJ’s other small ensemble groups at a concert each semester. Members are also part of YOCJ’s Wind Symphony and the Pro Arte Orchestra. Repertoire for the Brass Ensemble includes Mouret’s Rondeau (made popular by Masterpiece Theater), as well as a Contrapunctus by J.S. Bach, and works by Giovanni Gabrieli and Johann Pezel.

The Brass Choir is conducted by Shannon Ferrara. This group consists of advanced brass musicians who perform with YOCJ’s other small ensemble groups at a concert each semester. Members are also part of YOCJ’s Symphonic Orchestra. Repertoire includes Robert King’s arrangement of Victor Ewald’s Symphony For Brass, Opus 5, and works by Paul Dukas, Samuel Scheidt and Scott Joplin.

Brass Ensemble: Rehearsals are on Tuesdays, held at some point during the large ensemble rehearsals which are 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Brass Choir: Rehearsals are on designated Tuesdays, at 6:30pm, prior to the large ensemble rehearsals which are 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Audition to join the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey

Young musicians (elementary through high school) are all welcomed to audition for The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey in January, June, and September.

Students MUST study privately and be enrolled in either their school band or orchestra in order to become and remain a member of YOCJ. Recommendation by the student’s private teacher is required. Homeschoolers are also invited to audition!

Click HERE for complete audition information and upcoming DATES.