Local Young Musicians Are Invited to Audition for Essex County Orchestras

The 2014-2015 Season of the Youth Orchestras of Essex County is finally here. The Essex county orchestras are dedicated to providing a diverse group of musically talented young people (ages 8 – 18) the opportunity to participate in an affordable, high-level orchestra experience and cultivate a lifelong love of music. Our 2014-2015 season runs from September 2014 - May 2015.

Auditions will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8 at South Orange Middle School for our Junior Orchestra, ABC Ensemble and the Essex County Symphony Orchestra. These are groups for Middle and High School students. Wednesday Sept. 10 and 17 will be auditions for our Overture Strings Orchestra (generally elementary school students). More information about the individual groups can be found here. Other dates are available throughout the month of September; please contact the website for details.

Youth Orchestras of Essex County is comprised of more than 75 musicians from 18 different towns, led by eight outstanding conductors and coaches, making beautiful music throughout the school year. Our three symphonic orchestras are joined by the ABC ensemble; this group explores the joys of music from around the world, allowing the musicians the opportunity to play non-traditional instruments on pieces that are “Anything But Classical”. We perform two concerts a year at SOPAC, as well as various other community appearances. This season will be the orchestra’s 59th year of sharing the rich tradition and love of music with students.

Please email admin@yoec.org or call 404-500-YOEC (9632) to schedule an audition for September 8, 10 or 17; other times are also available. For more information, including audition requirements, please click here. Below is a video from the orchestra’s recent spring concert.

Below are a list of several additional videos taken during the spring concert at SOPAC, generously provided by Nightstand Studios.

Overture Strings Orchestra

Junior Orchestra with Philip Cokorinos (of the Metropolitan Opera) guest appearance

Junior Orchestra with Jessica Rossilli, soloist competition winner

Essex County Symphony Orchestra

Anything But Classical Ensemble