Arts & Entertainment
Jr. Philharmonic Enters 75th Season
Experienced musicians help mentor the young orchestra during weekly practice at Horace Mann School in Beverly Hills.
Young instrumentalists who are looking for a challenge are practicing with seasoned performers in the prestigious Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra, which rehearses Wednesdays at .
About 20 alumni play with the orchestra to mentor and set an example for the talented young musicians aged 12-25 who strive to play their instruments at the highest level.
“It says something about this orchestra that people never want to leave. We have a gentleman who joined the organization as a teenager in 1938, then went on to become a professional musician all his life, and then a few years back he came to play with us again because he likes to mentor the kids,” conductor Gary Greene said. “When you play next to somebody who is much more advanced, you will immediately rise to that level. I think that’s what makes this orchestra unique and different.”
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The Jr. Philharmonic was founded in 1937 by its late conductor, Ernst Katz, who wanted to “give youth a chance to be heard.” Greene, Katz’ nephew, took over as conductor a few years ago and follows his uncle’s tradition of providing young people with musical training and outstanding performance opportunities.
The orchestra is just beginning its 75th Diamond Jubilee season and is currently auditioning new members through Oct. 15.
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“We play on a professional level, so it’s best if the kids have private lessons in addition to what they are studying in school,” Greene said.
Jonathan Assia, 19, a 2011 graduate who is studying business administration at UCLA, is in his second season as a tuba player for the Jr. Philharmonic. While he probably won’t become a professional musician, Assia tried out for the orchestra because he wanted to play with the best and always wants to have music in his life.
Violinist Denise Kane-O’Neal, 39, attended Horace Mann. She now returns to the school each week to rehearse with the orchestra as an alumna. Kane-O’Neal joined the Jr. Philharmonic when she was 13 years old and is in her 27th season with the group.
“I auditioned, I got accepted and I’ve stayed ever since,” Kane-O’Neal said. “This orchestra is like a family to me and I’ve never wanted to leave. It’s great.”
The Jr. Philharmonic performs in venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Shrine Auditorium. Young musicians interested in joining the orchestra can call 310-275-7511 to schedule an audition.
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