2009: NYOJ's Launch

This is where is it all began! In October 2009 the NYOJ held it's launch concert featuring a myriad of classical arranged folk melodies and debuting their goals of free classical music education for Jamaica's youths. The NYOJ's patron Chris Blackwell addressed the audience as did then Minister of Education Andrew Holness encouraging persons to support the new non-profit.

2010: December Family Concert at STATHS

Families came out to see our student's first year's worth of accomplishments. Prizes were awarded for best in each instrument/section, most improved, most dedicated and best overall student.

2010: Denham Town High School's Carol Service

2010: Music Unite's All Are One Family Concert

In December 2011, the NYOJ choir performed at the Music Unites “All are One” family concert. Students sang original compositions and supported other performers, Claudja Barry, Princess Tia and German artist Freeze4U.

2010: NYOJ's Concert at Stella Maris

2010: NYOJ's First Concert

The NYOJ's first parent's concert took place at STATHS in March 2010 only three months after students were introduced to classical instruments and begin instruction.

2010: Spanish Embassy Hosts Holiday Reception

Members of the NYOJ’s senior orchestra were selected to perform with their instructors at an intimate holiday evening hosted by the Spanish Embassy.

2010: Summer School

2011: Adoracion

Adoracion, a seasonal celebration, was held at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Thursday December 22, 2011. The evening featured selections by the internationally acclaimed Spanish pianist David Gomez, as well as local talents the Nexus Choir and cantor Velia Espeut. Under the auspices of the Spanish Embassy NYOJ students were able to enjoy the inspiring performances.

2011: Anna Teaches the Jig

Anna Esslemont, UK violinist and frontwoman of the folk trio Usicedwr, visited the NYOJ in November 2011 to introduce NYOJ students to different styles of European folk music. She related her experiences growing up with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales as well as shared two traditional Celtic songs, Winster Gallop and Bear Dance.

2011: Dance Umbrella

In July 2011, the NYOJ’s senior orchestra performed at Manifesto Jamaica’s Dance Umbrella. Manifesto|JA is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment and nation building through the Arts and Culture.

2011: Denham Town High School's Carol Service

Carol services at our participating schools are NYOJ staples and among our students favourite performances. This year the NYOJ’s senior orchestra performed at Denham Town High School’s carol service on December 7 and at St. Andrew Technical High School’s service a week later on December 13.

2011: Digicel's Christmas Funday

For the third year the Digicel Foundation hosted their annual Christmas fun day as a treat for over 1000 children in need. NYOJ students performed for the masses with students from our KC Melbourne base making their debut.

2011: Fall Recruitment at STATHS

Pre-Orchestra classes begin at STATHS, as new recruits are introduced to music theory and the string instruments. Core students return enthusiastic to see new programme developments.

2011: Gen Rosso's Streetlight Musical

In May 2011, the multi-national group Gen Rosso visited Jamaica and conducted a three day workshop for NYOJ students culminating in their musical “Streetlight”. Streetlight’s storyline aligned perfectly with the NYOJ’s goals, as the characters pursue music rather than succumb to community violence.

2011: JPS Lauches HW Centre

In February 2011 the NYOJ performed at the launch of the new Jamaica Public Service (JPS) donated homework centre at Denham Town Primary (one of our major participating schools).

2011: Luthier Workshop at ICHS

In October 2011, in collaboration with the ICHS Symphony Orchestra and Luthiers Sans Frontieres a 3 day workshop was hosted at Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS) to repair damaged instruments. NYOJ senior orchestra students came out to observe the process and learn about caring for their instruments. Luthiers Martin Nitsche, Jesse Berndt and Ute Zahn were overwhelmed by the response from local classical musicians and more than happy to help.

2011: Music House Christmas Showcase

2011: NYOJ Launches KC Melbourne Centre

In September 2011, the NYOJ launched their second training centre at Kingston College’s Melbourne Campus. Over 90 students from nearby schools and communities turned out to enrol (including Clan Carthy, Vauxhall and Camperdown High Schools).

2011: OASIS Regional Workshop and Concert

The regional training week, in January 2011, allowed pivotal Latin American directors of musical social change projects to share their methodologies and experiences with Caribbean instructors.

2011: SJF Celebrates GSAT

In August 2011, the NYOJ’s senior orchestra performed at the Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation’s (SJF) event in celebration of their GSAT scholars.

2012: DePaul University Motivational Workshop

2012: Federation Day for the Russian Embassy

2012: Friends of NYOJ Ottawa Host Fundraising Garden Party

2012: GOLA Day

2012: June, Concert Rehearsal

2012: June, End of Term Concert

2012: November Parent's Concert

2012: NYOJ Christmas Performances

2012: NYOJ Students Visit Haiti

2012: Pre-Concert Recital at Strawberry Hill

2012: RPO Perform at the British High Commission

2012: RPO Perform at the Northern Caribbean University

2012: RPO Perform Workshops with the NYOJ

2012: RPO Performs at the Holy Trinity Cathedral

2012: Youth in Harmony

2013 NYOJ Visiting Instructors

2013: Federation Day Performance for the Russian Embassy

2013: Lynn University Brass Quintet Visit

2013: NYOJ Perform for Europe Day

2013: NYOJ Performs at the International Women's Conference

2013: NYOJ Summer Camp