Founded by the ESNCM in 2005 with the aim of providing students with the experience of playing in an orchestra early in their musical education, the Jerusalem Children's Orchestra is the ESNCM's junior orchestra. Under the supervision of ESNCM tutors and guest staff, string students meet weekly at their ESNCM branch and come together for one day workshops and a twice-yearly residential workshop at the ESNCM Activities Center in Birzeit. Residential camps are usually held during school holidays in January and June, and are followed by a short concert tour. The string students sometimes team up with members of the ESNCM Wind Band to form a full orchestra.

The orchestra performs a mix of simple classical and baroque repertoire, music adapted for junior orchestras, and special arrangements of Arabic music made by ESNCM teachers. The residential programmes and concert tours are an excellent opportunity for beginner students to make new friends, develop their skills as young musicians, and see how their instrument can fit into a bigger musical picture alongside the other instruments of the orchestra. Before joining the orchestra, students should normally have reached grade 3-5 standard on an orchestral instrument. 

As members of the Jerusalem Children’s Orchestra progress, students may eventually join the ESNCM Orchestra and ultimately be able to audition for The Palestine Youth Orchestra. Students are recommended for participation by their teacher at the ESNCM. All enquiries related to joining the orchestra should be directed to the Academic Supervisor at the student's branch. All other enquiries about the Jerusalem Children's Orchestra should be directed to Ms. Zeina Khoury- Orchestra Manager: zkhoury@ncm.birzeit.edu, +972 (0)2-281-9156.