Mission Statement

The New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra "Bridges the Generations through Music" by providing orchestral education to musicians of all ages and skill levels in a nurturing but artistically challenging environment.  Players, young and old, are able to move along the musical continuum from beginner to advanced, benefiting through their interactions with each other, while advancing toward the common goal of artistic excellence.

NJIO promotes the idea that music performance is beneficial to everyone by providing full orchestral concerts, outreach performances and special events in the central New Jersey community.  These events are designed to share the joy of music for audiences of all ages and encourage participation by all.

About us

The New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra was born in 1994. Developed over a pot of coffee from an idea written on the back of a napkin, it has grown into one of New Jersey’s shining stars. With 3 orchestras and over 100 volunteer musicians from various New Jersey communities, the NJIO has successfully bridged the generations through music. Our members have ranged in age from 6 to 93 years old.

Since its founding, NJIO has consciously nurtured the belief that senior citizens can share their wisdom and become vital resources for children. By bringing youth and senior citizens together, it has promoted mutual growth and fostered understanding between generations. The genuine camaraderie prevalent at all its rehearsals and concerts emanates from the perfect union of the eagerness to learn and the ability to teach, as the young and the young at heart share music stands and experiences throughout the season.

NJIO has three main ensembles:

Prelude String Orchestra - for beginner string musicians
Intermezzo String Orchestra - for intermediate string musicians
Symphony - for more advanced musicians

The Orchestra has contributed to the community’s musical experience and has quickly become a forum to introduce the public to many well-known musicians. Among those featured in NJIO performances are:

John Blake - renowned jazz violinist
Oscar Petty - oboe virtuoso
Mario Lombardo - saxophonist, composer and pianist
The Latin Jazz Connection with Vincent Calabrese
Angela Intili - soprano
Joseph Gluck - New Jersey Symphony violinist
Rio Clemente and his Jazz Trio
Jim Gaskill - violinist
Paul Somers - harpsichordist
The Rahway Valley Jersey-Aires Barbershop Quartet
Robert Paparozzi - harmonica virtuoso
Reggie Workman - renowned jazz bass man from the John Coltrane Quartet
Maurice Kelhoffer - former NJIO concertmaster
André Emelianoff - cello
Anton Del Forno - guitar
Christopher Kenniff - guitar
William Shadel - clarinet

NJIO was founded to allow its members, young and old, the opportunity to experience the joy of making music together. We perform several times a year in New Jersey venues. In May of 2005, we performed with Peter Schickele at Kean University. That same year, NJIO was featured in "The Open Road: America Looks at Aging", a PBS documentary.

The Orchestra has also traveled to New York City's Lincoln Center, The United Nations, and Washington, D.C. for special performances.

We are actively seeking members to join NJIO. Interested?
Contact us to find out more:  email info@njio.org