The 2025 Season Auditions will be held on Sat. Jan. 25th in Dixon Hall Tulane University!
The Dance Audition Requirements have changed!
Please visit the Audition page to see the updates. Only classical ballet variations will be accepted and dancers are only required to submit one dance.
2024 Special Awards
The John Tobin Award– Taylor Mennenga, clarinet
This cash award and plaque is given in honor of John Tobin, a very talented musician who performed in Junior Philharmonic concerts many times. Funding for this award was included in his mother’s will and the award is given for an outstanding performance.
The Irving Carr Award- Nanette Kawanaka, violin
The Irving Carr Award is a cash award and plaque given on the basis of potential. It was started by the board of directors in honor of Irving Carr, the husband of Irene Carr Huggins. Ms. Huggins was president at the time and a long-time active board member.
The Scholarship Award- Connor Galle, tenor
The Scholarship Award was the first award given by the society. It was begun by Minette Starts, a long-time board member who raised the money to get it started. It is a cash award given for continuing studies.
The Platzer Award- Sophia Lucurto, soprano
The Platzer Award was started by Ms. Bobbe Ritter in honor of her parents. It is a cash award and plaque given to a young musician for Artistic Excellence in Music.
The Emily Friend Bayle Award– Brett Massimi, violin
The Emily Bayle Award is a cash award and plaque given to a junior performer, eighth grade or younger, for artistic excellence. Mrs. Bayle was very active in the early years of the Jr. Philharmonic Society, happy to share her great love of music with young people and encourage them to perform and appreciate the arts as much as she did.
The Lawrence and Victoria Blanchard Ensemble Award- Grayson McMahon and Faryn Perry, dance
The Lawrence and Victoria Blanchard Ensemble Award is a cash award given to an ensemble for an outstanding performance. It is given in honor of Lawrence and Victoria Blanchard. Mrs. Blanchard was President of the Board for many years.
The Gayle Parmelee Award for Dance- Cecelia Murray, dance
The Gayle Parmelee Award is named after long time board member Gayle Parmelee-esteemed dancer and teacher.
Congratulations to our Performers!
Our 287th program -April 28, 2024 was Outstanding! Bravo to our Performers!
Tabitha Morgan, Cecilia Murray, Faryn Perry, Charlotte Quarterman, Julia Quinn, Hannah Voelkels, Elizabeth Wiggins, Grayson McMahon
Congratulations to all our performers on March 3rd, 2024! Bravo!
Pianists- Larissa Huilgol,Bryce Davis, Jasmine Henry, Yanae Aguiar-Lawrence, Aiden Hart Suyao Liu and Joshua Jeon, Violin- Brett Massimi , Voice,-Sophia Lucurto Dance- Addison Chocheles, Katherine Gustafson, Tabitha Morgan, Charlotte Quartermann,Cecilia Murray, Grayson McMahon, Faryn Perry, Campbell Barreca, Mackenzie Griffin, Lindsey Dauterive, Elwyn Perry, and Elizabeth Wiggins.
2024 Concert Dates
Sunday, March 3, 2024, 2:00 pm, Dixon Hall, Tulane University
Sunday, April 28, 2024, 2:00 pm, Dixon Hall, Tulane University
The Junior Philharmonic Society of New Orleans welcomes tax-deductible contributions from members of the public who want to invest in the cultural future of our city. Contributions are our only means of financial support, so please consider becoming part of an organization that provides performance opportunities to young artists from throughout Louisiana. Please help us to continue the tradition of showcasing our talented youth on stage!
Need more info?
You can see past programs, photos and newspaper articles on the Tulane Digital Library
Please contact us anytime! Our e-mail address is: [email protected]. Or email Joni Jensen at [email protected] or call 504-862-3218
You can also write to us at our post office box: Junior Philharmonic Society of New Orleans, P.O. Box 13095, New Orleans, LA 70185-3095. We look forward to hearing from you.