NJIO Spring Concert Sunday May 3rd @ 3PM Crescent Ave Presbyterian Church 716 Watchung Ave, Plainfield NJ 07060 Download the Concert Flyer Escape to an afternoon celebrating music that has inspired national pride for generations. The final concert in NJIO’s 32nd season, “National Spirit” culminates in Sibelius’s Symphony no.2— the glorious finale of this symphony will give you goosebumps! All three of our all-ages orchestras will transport you around the world with composers from Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan. Come as you as, leave with your spirits raised! All of NJIO’s concerts are free; no tickets are required. Download the Press Release NEW: Concert Comfort Station To make your concert experience more comfortable, NJIO now provides free items to borrow during the concert at our Concert Comfort Station, located in the concert lobby. Please see a volunteer at the Concert Comfort Station to borrow any of the following: Crayons and coloring pages Additional cushions Sound-reducing headphones Large-print program books Fidget toys Sponsors This concert is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Plainfield Foundation, funds from a 2026 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Commissioners, and our season sponsors: the Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation, The Henry S. and Agnes M. Truzack Foundation, the Standish Foundation, and many other generous supporters. NJIO is a proud participating organization in the Families First Discovery Pass Program, a program of the NJ Departments of Health and Human Services. Help Keep Our Concerts Free for All We believe that live orchestral music should be accessible to everyone, which is why our concerts are always free to attend. However, to keep bringing you these incredible performances, we rely on the generosity of our community. A donation of just $10 per person at our concerts helps cover essential costs like venue rental, musician fees, and administrative support. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference and ensures that we can continue to share the joy of music with all generations. Support free live music for all

Outreach All NJIO Programs Bringing the joy of music to those who cannot easily attend our concerts. The outreach ensemble performs at senior centers, nursing facilities, and special events. Outreach performs about once a month.

Biography of our Managing Director. Allison Russo, Managing Director. Consultant, author, and educator Allison Russo has dedicated her career to creating more ethical and effective arts learning spaces. She has a BM from Ithaca College and an MM from Boston University, both in Music Education. As an elementary band teacher and non-profit arts leader, Allison has designed and delivered music programming to thousands of students and teachers. She has presented at state and regional conferences, colleges, and public schools on topics including ethical classroom culture, trauma-informed care, and gender equity in jazz education. Allison founded The Critical Good, an arts education consultancy in 2021, where she supports arts nonprofits in expanding and strengthening their education programs through evaluation, operations, and messaging. She published her first book, “Planning on Purpose: Creating a Values-Based Music Program” in 2023 as a step-by-step guide for music teachers to refresh their programs for a focus on equity and connection. She is also a graduate course facilitator for the Longy School of Music at Bard College, a collaborator with consulting firm WolfBrown, and freelance grant writer. She envisions a world where arts education is boundless, universally accessible, and joyful for all.

Information about NJIO's annual Youth Concerto Competition. Each spring the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra holds its Young Artist Concerto Competition to select soloists for the following season. The competition is open to pianists and instrumental soloists in their junior year of high school and younger. Winners will perform with NJIO during the following season. A monetary award will be presented to the winners. Register Now! Audition FAQs Audition Guidelines Registration is now open and will close on April 29th, 2026 . Auditions will be held on May 13th, 2026 . Register Now! Previous Young Artist Winners 2025- Marcus Chong-Wah Wong, violin 2024- Matthew Ho, cello Elizabeth Poppy Song, violin 2023- Elie Kuan, cello (1st.) 2022- Semin Chun, violin (1st.) Chloe Lau, harp (2nd.) 2021- Cadee Lee, clarinet (1st.) 2020- COVID Cancellation 2019- Dylan Hamme, violin (1st.) 2018- Bethany Bobbs, cello (1st.) Na Yoon Koh, cello (2nd.) 2017- Daniel Seog, violin (1st.) Eilene Lee, violin (2nd.) 2016- Angela Zhou, piano (1st.) Sea Yoon, Violin (2nd.) 2015- Alyssa Kim, violin (1st.) Heechan Ku, cello (2nd.) 2014- Elizabeth Hendy, violin (1st.) Serena Huang, flute (2nd.) 2013- Zachary Mowitz, cello (1st.) Albert Cao, violin (2nd.) 2012- Noel Kim, violin (1st) Soyeong Park, violin (2nd.) 2011- Jessica Hone, cello (1st) NaYoung Yang, violin, (2nd.) 2010- Sophia Bacelar, cello (1st.) Alex Wang, violin (2nd.) 2009- Allegra Whiting (1st.) Yuji Sugimoto (2nd.) 2008- Lucia Nowik (1st.) Mariko Takashima (2nd.) Thank you to our Concerto Competition sponsor, Elefante Music!

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- NJIO Registration 2025-2026 season UPDATE Sep. 15th: Our Intermezzo and Symphony orchestras are near or at capacity for all instruments. Please contact Mary Beth Sweet (mbsweet@NJIO.org ) to enquire about availability in these ensembles. Space is still available for all instruments in the Prelude Ensemble. NEW woodwind, brass, percussion players must FIRST request a space before registering. Wind, Brass, Percussion Request Form Request financial assistance here. Financial Assistance Request If you are a: - returning member (any instrument) -a new string player -a new wind, brass, or percussionist who has been approved, please register now here. Register now If you have any trouble with opening or completing the form, try again on a different browser, try clearing your cache or cookies, or try on another device. Please contact Mary Beth (MBSweet@NJIO.org ) with any questions or special circumstances. 2025-2026 Membership Rates Youth Membership (grades K-12): $110 Young Adult Membership (age 18-26): $110 Adult Membership (age 27-61): $140 Senior Membership (age 62+): $110 Adult and Youth Joint Membership : $185 Outreach Ensemble only : $50 Membership rates are prorated if you begin later in the season. Rates are now updated for Spring 2026. For financial assistance or a payment plan, complete the form above or contact Mary Beth at mbsweet@njio.org 2025-2026 Schedule Thursdays: Rehearsals September through April 4:30-5:30 Prelude (strings only) 5:45-7:00 Intermezzo 7:30-9:30 Symphony Concert Schedule: Fall Concert: Sunday November 2nd at Crescent (Plainfield) Holiday Concert: Saturday December 13th at Summit Middle School Winter Concert: Sunday March 1st at Newark Cathedral Basilica (will include a special rehearsal in Newark the night before) Spring Concert: Sunday May 3rd at Crescent (Plainfield) Outreach: Monthly on Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm Concerts monthly; schedule varies Download the 25-26 rehearsal schedule Frequently Asked Registration Questions I'm a returning member of NJIO. How do I register? Registration for returning members (all instruments) is open now. Early bird pricing ends June 30th. Woodwinds, brass, and percussion: Your spots are reserved for you in the ensemble(s) you played in last year UNTIL JUNE 21st. After that, new members can apply for those seats. Don't wait! If you want to change your ensemble, please fill out a request form as if you are a new member. If you are requesting financial assistance, please complete the Financial Assistance Request Form first, then register after you have heard the result of your request. After June 21st, woodwind, brass, and percussion players must first complete the Woodwind/Brass/Percussion request form; if there is available space for your instrument, you will receive a link to register. We may close registration for certain string instruments if we reach capacity after June 21st. I'm new to NJIO. How do I register? Woodwind, brass, and percussion players must first complete the Woodwind/Brass/Percussion Request form. Starting June 23rd, if there is available space for your instrument, you will receive a link to register. If not, you will be placed on a waiting list. String players can register now. We may close registration for certain string instruments if we reach capacity. If you are requesting financial assistance, please complete the Financial Assistance Request Form first, then register after you have heard the result of your request. Do I need to audition? NJIO is a non-audition program. If you are unsure which ensemble fits you best, you can learn more here: https://www.njio.org/three-orchestras For winds, brass, and percussion: To keep a balanced ensemble, there are a limited number of seats available for winds and percussion. All returning members have their seats reserved until June 21st. New members (and returning members after June 21st) can inquire about availability using the Woodwind/Brass/Percussion Request form. There is an optional question on that form for a short clip of you playing your instrument to get a sense of your abilities in order to assist with placement. It is not required. If there is space for you in your section, we will invite you to register. If there is not a space available, you will be placed onto a waiting list. What if I don't want to pay online or with a credit card? We can do that! Just email Mary Beth (mbsweet@njio.org) to make arrangements to pay by check. Is there financial assistance or a payment plan available? Yes, we do have a limited amount of financial assistance available for those who need it. Most financial assistance awards are 50% of the annual membership fee, but other options are available. Before you register, complete the Financial Assistance Request form. You will be invited to register after your request is accepted. You can also arrange for a payment plan that works for you with Mary Beth (mbsweet@njio.org) What does my membership fee pay for? You can join any or all of our three core orchestras (Prelude, Intermezzo, Symphony) for the same price. These orchestras rehearse 27 evenings a season and also include about 6 sectionals per year, plus 4 concerts. That works out to be about $9-$12 per rehearsal or concert depending on your membership type; much less if you're in multiple orchestras! If you join any of these orchestras, you can also join the NJIO Outreach Ensemble at no additional cost. It is also possible to join the Outreach Ensemble separately using this form. All that, plus you get to know new friends of all ages, get access to our incredible instrument coaches, and join a community of music-lovers for life! What is the refund policy if my plans change? Or what if I want to join after the start of the season? NJIO will refund your membership (less a $25 administrative fee) until August 15th. If you can only join us for part of the season, your membership fees will be prorated. Please note that joining mid-season is contingent on space being available in your section. Please advise Mary Beth (mbsweet@njio.org) if you are planning on this option. I don't know which ensemble I should join! Help! You can find a detailed description of each ensemble here: https://www.njio.org/three-orchestras If you have additional questions or concerns, email Allison at arusso@njio.org and we will help!

The New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra has served NJ residents for over 30 years. We offer a friendly work environment with dedicated staff. If you'd like to be part of this organization, here are the positions we currently have open. Current Job Openings Aug 1st 2025: Intermezzo Orchestra Conductor -- FILLED In-person position; Summit, NJ Timeline Apply by September 5, 2025 First round interviews in September; finalists live audition in October Position begins in January 2026 About the Role The Intermezzo Conductor is the artistic leader for NJIO’s intermediate-level full orchestra. You’ll select ensemble repertoire, conduct weekly rehearsals, collaborate with professional coaches in each section, prepare for two concerts (three in a full season), and contribute to the creative programming process. Rehearsals : Thursdays, 5:45–7:00 PM in Summit, NJ Concerts : Winter Concert: March 1st in Newark; Spring Concert: May 3rd in Plainfield Sectionals : Lead 1–2 per concert cycle with support from coaches Start Date : January 2026 (prep work to select repertoire can begin as early as November 2025) To Apply Email your resume, brief cover letter that describes your educational philosophy and interest in NJIO specifically, and list of 2-3 references to Allison Russo, Managing Director at arusso@njio.org by September 5th, 2025. Finalists will be invited to audition with the ensemble in October 2025. Reasonable accommodations can be made for applicants with disabilities during the hiring process and on the job. Those historically excluded from the orchestral field are encouraged to apply. NJIO is an equal opportunity employer. Download the full job posting Download the full job posting

Frequently Asked Questions Registration Page Current Members Do I have to audition? NJIO does not hold auditions. String players can select which ensemble(s) they would like to join. We have three different ensembles and encourage members to participate in all of them! All winds and brass are welcome to join Intermezzo. Winds and brass who are interested in joining Symphony should contact the program director about availability and placement. What should I do before the first rehearsal to prepare? The first few rehearsals are geared towards learning the music. We generally take slower tempos and often stop to work out some difficulties. NJIO rehearsals are educational in nature. Each section has an artistic staff member who will offer guidance and help during rehearsals and sectionals. You can prepare by having your music printed and put in a three-ring black binder. It could be helpful to listen to some recordings of the music. (you can often find them on youtube). For rehearsals, you will need to bring a music stand. It is also helpful to have a pencil. I would like to join but I can't make it to rehearsal on time. Can I still participate? Generally speaking, yes. If your work/school schedule causes you to be 10-15 minutes late, you can still participate. Please let us know of this conflict in advance. What is the attendance policy? NJIO has a flexible attendance policy. Each concert has about 8 rehearsals. If you are going to miss more than 3 rehearsals please let the program director know. For soloing instruments in Symphony (winds, brass, percussion) the attendance requirements are more specific. If I can't make a concert, can I still come to rehearsals? Yes! You are welcome to attend rehearsals. If you can not make a concert please let us know asap so that we can plan for any coverage that might be needed. What happens on concert day? Our concerts are held at different venues. Concerts generally start at 3pm. However, we ask our members to arrive much earlier. On the day of the concert, we do a sound check and a mini dress rehearsal for stage logistics and transitions. We typically ask members to arrive around 11 am on concert day. Dress is all black- no tie. Skirts must be below the knees, sleeves must be below the elbows. Parents of youth members should start looking for black clothing sooner than later. Sometimes black clothing for children is more available in the fall and winter. Each venue will have a different set of instructions (for parking, if you need a stand or not, etc) These instructions will be sent out as the concert approaches.

Support NJIO The New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra serves the community with free concerts. We bring music to those who cannot attend concerts with our Outreach program. We provide music experiences for musicians of all ages and musical abilities. Read about our Community Supporters Read about our non profit status, our status as a charitable organization, and bequests Make a donation NJIO thanks you for your support of our programs.

Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School 272 Morris Ave Summit, NJ 07901 The entrance to the parking lot is on Summit Ave. There is plenty of parking at this location. Main Entrance Enter through the main front entrance. Wheelchair/ramp accessible access is available. Parking near the ram is located in the school parking lot at the end closest to Oakland Place. The ramp entrance is located at the front end of the building closest to Oakland Place. Check your email (or contact us) for stage details and report time.

Programs All Programs Concerto Competition Learn Music at Any Age 25-6 Registration Member Agreement FAQs - Membership

Information about the current season. Welcome to NJIO's 32nd Season What to Expect at an NJIO Concert NJIO concerts have a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with open seating, no ticket required, and a wide range of music played from the heart. We’re a great first orchestra experience for all ages—and longtime listeners love us too. Sensory and comfort items are available to borrow at every performance. For more information: To request accommodations, contact our ADA officer, Mary Beth: mbsweet@NJIO.org For all other questions, contact Allison Russo, Managing Director: arusso@NJIO.org Fall Concert: Sunday November 2nd at 3PM, Plainfield Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Plainfield Featuring Marcus Chong-Wah Wong, Violin Winner of our 2025 Concerto Competition Family Holiday Concert: Saturday December 13th at 2PM, Summit LCJ Summit Middle School, Summit Interactive holiday favorites + Instrument Petting Zoo Winter Concert Info Winter Concert: Sunday March 1st at 3PM, Newark Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark Featuring William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony Spring Concert: Sunday May 3rd at 3PM, Plainfield Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Plainfield Featuring Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2