About GPYO

GREATER PRINCETON YOUTH ORCHESTRA (GPYO) is a not for profit, 501© (3) organization that is supported through membership fees, performance revenues, program ads, and generous gifts from individuals, local businesses and foundations. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. GPYO is eligible for United Way and corporate matching funds.
 
The GPYO is proud to be celebrating over 55 years of delighting audiences. GPYO is made up of elementary to high school students from Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, entrance is by competitive audition. Through their involvement with the orchestra, gifted young musicians from across central New Jersey and Pennsylvania hone their skills as performers in a large orchestral group, as well as in chamber and quartet ensembles. They learn to work with others in pursuing common goals, and enrich all of our lives through public performances of classical music.

Our Mission
The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra mission is to provide high level music education and performance opportunities to the students of the region and to promote classical music appreciation within the community."

The GPYO Experience
Rehearsals:
GPYO has four ensembles and they meet for weekly rehearsals, held at held at Montgomery High School, 1016 Route 601, Skillman, NJ
 
Monday rehearsals
Preparatory String Ensemble: 6:00 – 7:30pm
Concert Orchestra: 7:45 – 9:15 pm
Symphonic Orchestra: 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Tuesday rehearsals
Preparatory Wind Ensemble, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Ensembles

• Preparatory String Ensemble:

The Prep Strings ensemble is designed to offer an introductory string ensemble experience to students ranging from grades 4-9. Students in this ensemble will be challenged to become more independent musicians, which will in turn complement their school ensemble experience. More time will be dedicated to develop string technique which will prepare students to continue into the senior division. Repertoire includes music designed for advanced middle school and high school students.
 

• Preparatory Wind Ensemble
  

The prep winds ensemble is designed for developing students in grades 4-9. Students involved in prep winds are challenged to be independent musicians, something very different from what they commonly see in their school ensembles. Prep winds members are often the only person playing their part which requires a great deal of individual responsibility and helps the student grow to become a very confident, independent musician. Students in this ensemble also face the task of performing a wide variety of music with challenging parts typically suited for advanced middle schools and high schools.

• Concert Orchestra:
  

The concert orchestra is comprised of talented developing musicians ranging from middle school through high school. This ensemble offers students the full symphonic orchestra experience, which is not common amongst most school programs in New Jersey. A concert orchestra musician is ready to be challenged by advanced repertoire, but will also use the experience to develop the technique necessary to be ready for the GPYO Symphonic Orchestra. The string, woodwind, brass and percussion students in Concert Orchestra will have small sectional rehearsals throughout the year to address the repertoire being performed, as well as opportunities to further the musical technique on their instrument. 

• Symphonic Orchestra
  

The Symphonic Orchestra is the flagship ensemble for the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra. This ensemble features some of the most advanced musicians in the central Jersey and Pennsylvania regions. Students invited to play in the symphonic orchestra enjoy music of the highest level, most of which is played by professional ensembles around the world. Symphonic Orchestra members perform many concerts throughout the year, and often are asked to play in chamber music performances. The students of the Symphonic Orchestra, most of whom are members of regional and state ensembles, or intend to pursue music as a major in college, range in age from middle school to high school seniors. This ensemble is not age restricted, students must simply possess very advanced musical skill and the desire to play music of great difficulty and high art.

Performances
GPYO has performed challenging concerts and recitals at numerous local, regional and international venues.

• Carnegie Hall Issac Stern Auditorium
• Lincoln Center Avery Fisher Hall
• Kimmel Center of Performing Arts, Verizon Hall
• Princeton University’s Richardson Auditorium
• New Jersey Performing Arts Center
• Patriots Theater at the War Memorial
• New Jersey Governor’s Mansion Drumthwackett
• Several European Invitational Tours.

Sectional Rehearsals and Master Classes
Sectional rehearsals are done on a regular basis with Assistant Conductors on staff. In addition, twice a year Masterclasses and coaching is offered by outstanding musicians.  Students have been fortunate to receive instructions from Jeff Lang, Associate Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and other performers – Tom O’Hara, Nate White, Katelyn Walker, Christopher Wickham and many more.