Concerts for Young People (CYP)

Concerts for Young People is a series of school-time concerts that are designed specifically for young audiences in grades K-8.  To ensure that students get the most out of their concert going experience, the NJSO provides teachers with a Teacher Resource Book containing fun and easy to follow pre- and post-concert lesson plans that address the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Learn more.

Greater Newark Youth Orchestras (GNYO)

Established in 1990, the NJSO's Greater Newark Youth and Chamber Orchestras give all qualified students—specifically minority youth—the tuition-free opportunity to participate in a program that provides weekly musical instruction by NJSO musicians and performance experience in an encouraging and motivating atmosphere. Learn more.

Newark Early Strings Program (ESP)

The NJSO and Newark Public Schools began its unique partnership in 2000-01 to provide classroom violin instruction to second- through fourth-grade students that includes regular coaching by NJSO musicians. Among the many benefits of music instruction, studies by Columbia University researchers have shown that participating students outperform their non-NESP peers by 20-30% on standardized math, science, and literacy tests.
Learn more.

Resources for Education and Community Harmony (REACH)

Since 1998, REACH—the NJSO's innovative community engagement program—has featured a wide array of original musical programs created by the musicians of the NJSO. Performance venues include schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers. Recognized for their diverse programming and accessibility to audiences from the experienced to the curious, REACH chamber ensembles carry the NJSO’s musical magic to all 21 counties of the State. Learn more.