Youth Orchestras of Essex County Spring Concert

The longest running youth orchestra in New Jersey returns to SOPAC for a showcase of local talent. 90 musicians from 18 towns will perform in this concert featuring our four distinct instrumental groups. Solo competition winners from our second annual contest will also be performing: Mia Hildebrandt (violin) with the Essex County Symphony Orchestra, and Maggie Faulkner (violin) and Kyra Guenther (harp) with the Junior Symphony Orchestra. Rehearsing together once a week, these 8-18 year old students create beautiful music in three distinct symphonic orchestras (Overture Strings, Junior Symphony Orchestra, and Essex County Symphonic Orchestra) and the ABC (Anything But Classical) Ensemble. Providing a diverse and musically talented group of young people the opportunity to participate in an affordable, high-level orchestra experience and cultivate a lifelong love of music has been our mission since 1956. Admission to YOEC is through auditions, held in January and June. More information about the orchestras can be found at www.YOEC.org, but the best way to see what we do is to enjoy this year-end concert by our musicians!