Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra Ensembles

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.

Concert Orchestra

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

​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.

Preparatory String Ensemble

The Preparatory String Ensemble is designed to offer an introductory string ensemble experience to students ranging from elementary through middle school. 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. 

Chamber Wind Ensemble

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.