About Us
Our History
Founded in 1956 by music teachers and run by parents, Youth Orchestras of Essex County is New Jersey's longest-operating youth orchestra organization. Youth Orchestras of Essex County is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Our Mission
Youth Orchestras of Essex County aims to provide a diverse group of musically talented young people the opportunity to participate in affordable and stimulating, instrumental ensemble experiences in order to cultivate a lifelong love of music as a performing art.
Youth Orchestras of Essex County is open to all instrumental music students ages 6 to 17. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, gender or gender identity, sexual preference, physical ability, or ability to pay.
Hablamos español -- On parle français
Our Ensembles
Youth Orchestras of Essex County offers three orchestral ensembles at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, a wind ensemble, and a jazz and world music ensemble where students learn the art of improvisation.
With five ensembles at varying age and proficiency levels, YOEC is able to place virtually every applicant in an age- and level-appropriate ensemble.