Ask a Musician

The Ask a Musician program lets you get to know the musicians of the New Jersey Symphony personally. Meet them during intermissions of most concerts.

Have you ever wondered just how a bassoon works? Or what kind of training is needed to be an orchestral musician? You have the chance to find out! Visit with musicians and ask your questions during intermission of selected concerts. An announcement will be made from stage at every concert at which the Ask a Musician program is available.

Submit your question online

New Jersey Symphony Musicians Answer Your Questions

What is the New Jersey Symphony’s “Ask a Musician” feature?

New Jersey Symphony bassoonist Mark Timmerman answers.

What was that encore?

New Jersey Symphony cellist Sarah Seiver explains how to find out what encore you heard at an New Jersey Symphony concert.

What’s the difference between a violin and a viola?

New Jersey Symphony Assistant Principal Viola Elzbieta Weyman answers.

How do trombone players know where to stop the slide for each note?

Trombonist Vernon Post answers.

How does the bow produce sound on a string instrument?

New Jersey Symphony first violinist Naomi Youngstein answers.

What is sticking up from the top of your bass?

Bassist Jonathan Storck answers.

What makes New Jersey Symphony parks concerts special?

Associate Concertmaster Brennan Sweet answers.

What is it like to perform in several New Jersey venues?

Assistant Concertmaster Adriana Rosin answers.

What is the difference between first violin, second violin and violin?

Violinist Joanna Farrer answers.

How do you pronounce Music Director Xian Zhang’s name?

Violinist Wendy Chen answers.