Onstage company
Documented collaborators
The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) is the flagship ensemble program of Wharton Arts, offering auditioned orchestral and jazz education for students in grades 3–12 across New Jersey. Founded in 1979, NJYS has grown into a renowned training ground for young musicians, presenting adventurous programming and collaborating with esteemed artists and institutions. Under the artistic leadership of Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Artistic Director & Principal Conductor, NJYS has performed at major venues including NJPAC, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center, and has earned ASCAP awards for innovative programming. The organization has completed multiple European tours and earned Summa Cum Laude First Prizes in 2014 and 2017. NJYS continues to inspire the next generation of musicians through rigorous training, dynamic performances, and community engagement.