Playing On
New Orleans, a city celebrated for its rich musical culture and heritage, is home to a remarkable program shaping the next generation of musicians—the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra (GNOYO).
For 30 years, this organization has nurtured young talent, fostering a deep understanding of music while carrying forward the city's special history. They believe that adults are not only a part of the city's music apparatus because our youth are the ones who carry it forward.
Founded in 1994-95 by members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and a group of local parents, GNOYO emerged from a shared vision to have a youth orchestra in New Orleans. From its early days, the organization aimed to exhibit the community's ability to create professional music. By 1996, GNOYO was established as an independent nonprofit, starting with 100 members. Today, the orchestra offers programs for participants ranging from first graders to college students with around 1000 members across the board.
GNOYO comprises five orchestras: Sinfonia, Northshore Sinfonia, Philharmonia, Northshore Philharmonia, and the Symphony. These ensembles provide opportunities for students to develop their musical skills in a supportive yet challenging environment. In addition, GNOYO offers diverse programs, including voice training choirs, a chamber music ensemble, and the Endangered Instrument Program, which encourages participation in less commonly played instruments such as the cello, bassoon, and French horn.
Under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Jean Montès, who joined in 2009, GNOYO has brought the music of New Orleans to audiences across the nation and internationally. The orchestra has performed at esteemed venues including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Mahalia Jackson Theater, as well as abroad in France and Normandy. These experiences provide young musicians with confidence and the opportunity to serve as cultural ambassadors for their city, according to Montès. He said the program is important to members of the community to celebrate the heritage of the city with art. "It is a unique place in the world that develops personhood and trains those to be cultural ambassadors of the city," Montès shared while describing what the program means to him.
GNOYO's commitment to its mission has survived immensely challenging events such as Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the program had to "reinvent itself" twice. Montès described these periods as important renaissances of the program. The organization continues to evolve and be an example of resilience. No matter what disasters the city may face, New Orleans is always there to nurture and support one another and that, Montès said, is shown within the GNOYO community.
The program is involved in global outreach efforts. In 2010, GNOYO launched the Haitian Youth Music Relief program to support students affected by the earthquake in Haiti who didn't have access to usable instruments. GNOYO has collected and donated thousands of instruments, with Loyola University students who travel across borders to deliver them to young musicians in need. Montès believes one can heal the soul with instruments. "I grew up in a youth orchestra when I was in Haiti, so it really means a lot," Montès said. This sentiment is reflected in the values of the program of creating a union around the city and around the world.
GNOYO values to enrich the entire person, Montès shared. The goals go beyond teaching classic and contemporary instrumental skills. "You'll develop a life that is well balanced in mind, spirit, and soul," Montès explained. Its holistic approach aims to cultivate "sound minds, sound values, and sound lives." It gives students the opportunity to hone musical skills and develop their personhood.
Students participate in events such as the annual Concerto Competition, summer festivals, and local performances at venues including the French Quarter Festival, City Park's Celebration in the Oaks, the Children's Museum, and more. These experiences help students grow as musicians and as individuals, fostering values of creativity, discipline, and community service.
One unique program is the Pops! Orchestra, an intergenerational ensemble open to alumni, parents, and family members. This program ensures that music remains a lifelong pursuit for participants and deepens connections within the broader population. It is an approachable and accessible way into the performing arts for the New Orleans community to contribute to concerts and performances around the city.
The organization's leadership board includes Dr. Jean Montès, Dr. Kent Jensen, Andrew Dykema, Dr. Marta Jurjevich, Mary Perkins, Susan Silbernagel, and Sarah Montès. Together, they guide GNOYO in its mission to preserve New Orleans' musical roots while empowering the next generation of music lovers.
For Montès, GNOYO holds deep personal significance. Watching students grow and develop into "productive members of the community" is his favorite part of being involved. GNOYO's efforts brighten the importance of music as both a cultural necessity and a means of giving back to the community by educating the whole person in spirit, as well as preserving the heritage of New Orleans' roots. By inspiring young musicians and fostering a sense of unity, GNOYO ensures that the spirit of New Orleans' music will endure for generations to come.
GNOYO is a supportive collective that honors music education in congruence and celebration of the city and its significant musical history. Montès stressed the importance of preserving "our roots" because it is indispensable to the survival of the city. He said it is a necessity to have music. It is not only a luxury, but it is a way to give back to our community. The program pushes students to reach their full potential, connect with themselves, and to be an example of strong and sound individuals.
To get involved, visit gnoyo.org and audition.
