Ensemble Information
Scroll through to learn about our ensembles below! Auditions to our program grant placement in one of our five main ensembles. Auditions to the summer ensembles are handled separately.
Symphonic Orchestra |
Concert Orchestra |
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Mr. Joseph Pucciatti, Conductor
Recommended for 9th grade and up Rehearsals: Monday nights 6:45 - 9:00 pm 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. |
Ms. Judith Morse, Conductor
Recommended for 7th grade and up Rehearsals: Monday evenings 5:00 - 6:30 pm The Concert Orchestra is comprised of talented developing musicians ranging from middle school through high school, with some upper elementary students. This ensemble offers students the full symphonic orchestra experience, which is not common among 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 instruments. |
Camerata Strings Ensemble |
Preparatory Strings Ensemble |
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Mr. Joseph Brennan, Conductor
Recommended for 5th - 7th grade Rehearsals: Monday nights 6:30 - 8:00pm The Camerata Strings Ensemble is a strings-only orchestra for students whose playing ability falls in between the Preparatory Strings Ensemble and the Concert Orchestra. The Camerata Strings Ensemble performs highly lauded classical and contemporary repertoire devoted specifically to string orchestra. This ensemble aims to help students to develop the necessary rehearsal skills and to familiarize them with ensemble norms and expectations, so that they are successful in an advanced, symphonic orchestral setting like the Concert Orchestra. |
Mr. Joseph Brennan, Conductor
Recommended for 2nd - 5th grade Rehearsals: 5:15 - 6:15 pm The Preparatory Strings Ensemble is designed to offer an introduction to students who are just beginning their orchestral music experience. The Preparatory Strings Ensemble offers an enriching and inclusive experience for students in elementary and middle school who have been learning a string instrument such as violin, viola, cello, or double bass for at least 1 full year. This ensemble provides a supportive and nurturing environment where students can develop their instrumental skills, musicality, and ensemble playing abilities. 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 Camerata Strings Ensemble. |
Chamber Winds Ensemble |
Summer Ensemble |
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David Rabinowitz, Conductor
Recommended for 5th -7th grade Rehearsals: Monday evenings 5:45 - 7:15 pm The Chamber Winds are intermediate level wind and brass players who are developing their musicianship skills in a smaller group setting. They focus on the essentials of performing: phrasing, sound production, tuning, and playing as a cohesive ensemble. Members are often expected to play “one-on-a-part.” This encourages them to develop the confidence and independence expected of symphonic wind and brass musicians. |
Ensemble rotates by year. Summer 2025 ensemble to be announced in Holiday 2024.
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