PLAYERS SOUGHT: The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra’s intermediate Concert Orchestra is shown in a performance that took place on June 12. (Photo by Angela Branchek)

The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) is seeking instrumentalists entering grades 4-12 who play wind, brass, percussion, and lower string instruments. The deadline to sign up is August 15; the deadline to submit videos is August 22. The audition fee is $25.

Members improve their musicianship, play under major conductors, learn challenging repertoire, participate in sectionals and master classes with professional musicians, perform in venues like the Kimmel Center and Carnegie Hall, and make lifelong friends. Ensembles include the Symphonic Orchestra, the Concert Orchestra, the Preparatory String Ensemble, and the Chamber Wind Ensemble

The GPYO was founded in 1960 as the Mercer County Symphonic Orchestra and recently joined forces with the Westminster Conservatory of Music. The mission is to provide excellent training and performance opportunities for students seeking a challenging musical ensemble experience, and to cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

“GPYO has had a really successful year,” Music Director Jessica Morel said about the 2021-22 season. “Our students showed tremendous improvement in the last year, and they were able to quickly resume their abilities to play in an ensemble together again. I’m incredibly proud of their hard work and their dedication to music. It has been absolutely rewarding to work with GPYO’s talented student musicians.”

Interim Executive Director Wendy Norris, a 1987 graduate of the program, said, “Throughout the pandemic, instrumental music programs around the country have been challenged to provide continuous, effective, and engaging instruction. Lockdowns, virtual and hybrid learning, and the availability of vaccines have all made it difficult for music students to develop the foundations of playing music together. It’s been energizing to see everyone work together to help our players stay motivated, find their bearings, and get caught up.”

Participation is by audition only. Private lessons are encouraged, but not required. All members are required to be actively involved in their school music programs.

Tuition discounts and financial aid are available. For more information, contact ops@gpyo.org.