Youth Orchestras and Ensemble Opportunities in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Below is a compiled list of youth orchestras, honors orchestras, jazz ensembles, and further playing opportunities for young bassists and string players in the New Jersey and Philadelphia metro area.

Please let me know of any opportunities and ensembles I may be missing at mark@markprzybylowski.com

Pennsylvania

1. Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (Philadelphia, PA): A leading youth orchestra in Philadelphia. The organization has several ensembles and entrance is based on audition. Philadelphia Youth Orchestra also offers programs during the summer. 

2. Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts (Philadelphia, PA): The Clef Club’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the legacy of jazz and offer educational opportunities, talent development, and performance opportunities for students in the Greater Philadelphia region in jazz. The Clef Club offers private instruction, theory courses, ensembles, and programs during the summer.

3. Philadelphia Sinfonia (Philadelphia, PA): Philadelphia Sinfonia offers three different performing opportunities and is a very accomplished organization. Acceptance into each of the ensembles is based upon an audition.

4. Musicopia (Philadelphia, PA): Musicopia is a nonprofit organization that offers several different educational opportunities for young musicians in the Philadelphia region. The organization has three levels of orchestra and students are able to work with Musicopia faculty and teaching artists during orchestral rehearsals. Students should prepare for an age level appropriate audition. Visit the website for more details. 

5. Temple Prep (Philadelphia, PA): Temple Prep offers a variety of performance opportunities, group classes, a string orchestra, and private study options.

6. University of the Arts – Creative Jazz Institute (Philadelphia, PA): University of the Arts offers a two week summer program for students in grades 6 through 12. Students will receive instruction in instrumental technique, improvisation, sight reading, and more. They will also have the opportunity to work in small groups, large groups, attend master classes, and jam sessions all coached and led by UArts faculty members.  

New Jersey

1. Conservatory of Musical Arts (Audubon, NJ): The Conservatory of Musical Arts offers private lessons as well as small group performance opportunities. Summer enrichment programs are also offered in jazz ensemble playing, composition, sound design/recording, and a study camp I am leading for young bassists. 

2. Symphony in C Youth Orchestra (Haddonfield, NJ): The ensemble is open to students ages 10 – 20 years old. Symphony in C also offers programs during the summer.

3. Atlantic Youth Orchestra (Linwood, NJ): An ensemble for young musicians near or around Atlantic and Cape May counties. Students must take private lessons while enrolled in the ensemble. The ensemble meets on Sunday afternoons. For more information visit the website.

4. South Jersey Youth Orchestra and Friends (Bellmawr, NJ): This ensemble is a multi-generational orchestra where students will play with others their own age and older. No audition necessary. The South Jersey Youth Orchestra also offers a summer program.

5. All South Jersey Orchestra (Glassboro, NJ): The South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association leads auditions each year for students interested in gaining entrance into the regions honors band and orchestra. Participation in the ensemble requires an audition and entrance is based upon the students score from three assessed criteria (scales, solo, and sight reading.) Rehearsals are held at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. 

6. Rowan Youth Orchestra (Glassboro, NJ): The Rowan Youth Orchestra takes place on the campus of Rowan University each Sunday evening. The orchestra is a full orchestra with strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion. Participation in the ensemble requires an audition (scales, solo, and sight reading)

7. New Jersey Youth Symphony (New Providence): New Jersey Youth Orchestra provides performing arts instruction and playing experiences for students in grades 3 – 12. The organization features several different ensembles and a summer camp. Participation in any of the ensembles requires an audition.

8. New Jersey State Youth Orchestra (Middletown, NJ): The New Jersey State Youth Orchestra serves students who have just begun their musical studies or who are at a more advanced level. Participation in any of the ensembles requires an experience level appropriate audition.

9. NJSO Youth Orchestras(Newark, NJ): The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra provides a wide array of educational opportunities for students through in school coaching, in school performances, master classes, and youth orchestra performance opportunities. Participation in any of the ensembles is based on acceptance through an audition. Enrollment is open to students in grades 4 through 12.

10. Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey (West Windsor, NJ): The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey hosts a variety of performing groups from small chamber ensembles to two strings ensembles, and a full symphonic orchestra. Participation in any of the ensembles is based on acceptance through an audition.

11. Main Street Music (Mullica Hill, NJ): Main Street Music offers private, individualized instruction for students of all ages.

12. Garden State Philharmonic (Toms River, NJ): The Garden State Philharmonic has three youth orchestras as a part of it’s educational offerings. Students can hone their musicianship skills and advance through the three orchestras as they grow. Participation in all three ensembles requires an audition. See the website for audition dates and requirements.