karen pinoci young artist competition

The New Sussex Symphony is excited to announce the launch of the Karen Pinoci Young Artist Competition to celebrate the memory of an energetic conductor and spirited educator.

The winner of the competition will receive $500 and appear as the featured soloist with the orchestra, under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Jordan Brown, at its March 2023 concert.

The competition is open to high school students playing STRINGS, WOODWINDS, BRASS, GUITAR, HARP and PIANO and reside in Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Morris, Bergen or Essex counties. Participants must audition with a solo piece that has orchestral accompaniment. (If that piece is a concerto, one movement will suffice.)

Karen Pinoci was the Music Director and Conductor of the New Sussex Symphony for over 27 years - almost half the existence of the orchestra - until her sudden death in 2018. This Young Artist Competition is the orchestra's way of honoring her passion for inspiring young people to express themselves through music and make it an important part of their lives.

For any questions please contact Susanna Rogers, KPYAC chairperson •srodgers15@gmail.com• 973-568-9583

Click here for Application

Legacy Fund Scholarship

For more than two decades, the NSS has awarded an annual scholarship to help fund private lessons for a deserving string player. Students are eligible if they are in 7th – 12th grade, reside in Sussex County, or are studying with or related to a current member of the New Sussex Symphony.

The winner will receive a $500 scholarship toward the cost of lessons, payable to a private instructor.

We are looking for a dedicated student with a great love and passion for music, not necessarily one who performs at the highest level. There is no audition, but rather an application form accompanied by an essay. The student's private instructor, or a music teacher familiar with them as a musician, should fill out the recommendation form and submit it separately.

The deadline is Nov. 4, 2022. The winner will be announced at the NSS concert on Sat., Nov. 19, 3 p.m. at First United Church of Newton.

Questions, conerns, or a request to receive the forms electronically, should be directed to nssnj@pdt.net, or (973) 579-6465