Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021
Partnership to increase opportunities for students to learn and perform music
The Westminster Conservatory of Music has joined forces with the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra to increase opportunities for students to learn and perform music. Each institution has provided young people with musical instruction for more than 50 years, forming the foundation for lifelong participation in music for generations of New Jersey residents. Together, Westminster Conservatory and GPYO will reinforce each others’ offerings in order to provide an even wider range of opportunities for their students.
Students enrolled in programs at both Westminster Conservatory and GPYO are offered a 10% discount on tuition at each institution. To benefit from this offer, a student must be enrolled in one of the GPYO’s four ensembles (Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Preparatory String Ensemble, Preparatory Wind Ensemble) and in at least one program of the Westminster Conservatory of Music, including private lessons, music theory, chamber music and Honors Music Program.
Established in 1960 as the Mercer County Symphonic Orchestra, the GPYO’s mission is to provide high level music education and performance opportunities to the students of the region and to cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the arts. GPYO ensembles have toured Europe and the United States, and have collaborated with a number of New Jersey’s finest performing groups over the years. In the recent past, they have performed at Princeton University’s Richardson Auditorium, the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Its artistic vision has been led by a number of fine educators and conductors, including founder Dr. Matteo Giammario, Mark Laycock, and Fernando Raucci.
The GPYO draws its membership from Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Through their involvement with the orchestra, gifted young musicians learn to work with others in pursuing common goals, and enrich all our lives through public performances of classical music. Instrumentalists from elementary through high school may join by competitive audition.
The GPYO includes four ensembles:
During the 2021-2022 Season, all GPYO ensembles rehearse on Monday evenings at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton.
For information on audition requirements and schedule, please visit the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra website. Auditions are held twice a year - in late spring and late summer. Additional winter auditions may be held at the discretion of the music director. Visit the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra website for more about the program. Visit the GPYOPrinceton YouTube channel for concert videos and more.