This ensemble provides the opportunity for talented percussionists to perform challenging literature with intensive and personalized instruction in all percussion techniques. The NJYS Percussion Ensemble has performed at percussion festivals, in concerts, and on tour. All percussionists accepted into Philharmonia, Youth Orchestra, and Youth Symphony may also perform with Percussion Ensemble.
The NJYS Jazz Orchestra will perform repertoire from some of the most important composers in jazz history such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie. We will also explore the compositions of some of today’s leading composers.
The NJYS Big Band is an opportunity for students to learn to play the classic repertoire of the big band. This group will play several NJYS concerts throughout the year and focus on section playing and jazz phrasing.
The Jazz Workshop is our entry level Jazz program designed to introduce young musicians with an interest in Jazz to the elements and practice of the Jazz artform. Students will be introduced to Jazz through a holistic approach combining performance in ensembles, large ensemble and combo, as well as an introduction to Jazz history and theory through critical listening to the masters of the music. Instrumental skills will be honed through interaction with our faculty of world class Jazz musicians who have a deep interest in sharing their knowledge, experience and wisdom with their students. The Jazz Workshop will give the students an opportunity to build a firm foundation in Jazz performance, history and theory to prepare them to move on to more advanced ensembles at NJYS Jazz and beyond.
Open to all instruments.
The NJYS Chamber Music Program provides young musicians with the opportunity to learn and perform chamber music literature composed for small un-conducted chamber ensembles. Chamber music is performed in an intimate setting with one musician per part. The chamber music program develops both beginning and advanced students’ musicianship by building on current technical skills, expanding listening and group collaboration skills, learning about historical practice and perspectives, and challenging musicians to read and perform music more fluently. Being a participant in a chamber music ensemble enhances each student’s work in solo and orchestral repertoire and contributes to the student’s full artistic expression on his or her instrument.
Open to all instruments.
NJYS’s most advanced ensemble draws the most talented and dedicated student musicians from around the state. Youth Symphony regularly tours internationally, performing in some of the great music halls of the world while serving as dynamic music ambassadors. In June 2014 and 2017, Youth Symphony was awarded first place in the prestigious Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival. Youth Symphony has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, as well as outstanding concert halls in Europe. Their repertoire spans from orchestral masterworks to newly composed pieces, including works commissioned for NJYS. Youth Symphony has collaborated with other performing arts organizations, including the New Jersey Youth Chorus, Drew University Chorus, and New Jersey Ballet. Each year, a number of Youth Symphony members continue their studies at top conservatories in pursuit of professional careers in music. Youth Symphony performs three – four concerts each year.