Audition for Portland Youth Philharmonic
Season 103 reauditions begin in May, and new student auditions open in June 2026.
Want to get a head start on S103? Join the Audition Interest List!

This is where young musicians discover who they can become.
PYP is a vibrant community of 300 young people from 100 schools, who explore their passion for music, grow as individuals, and make lifelong friendships.
Our orchestra has a tradition of excellence in education and performance dating back to our first concert in 1925. Visit the “About” page to learn more about our 100-year-old history.
“PYP changed my life. I am in a completely different place now. I am stronger as a musician, and more confident in myself as a person.”
—Jacob Peizner, Saxophone
PYP is a place where young musicians find their voice, discover their potential, and become part of something larger than themselves.
This could be the start of that journey.
Why join Portland Youth Philharmonic?
At PYP, students rise to a new level of musicianship, confidence, and independence. They learn to perform challenging repertoire, collaborate with dedicated peers, and work closely with professional conductors and musicians. Along the way, they develop discipline, leadership, and a deeper belief in their own potential, skills that stay with them long after their time in the orchestra.
Here is what that journey looks like in practice:
• Rigorous orchestral training and the opportunity to perform major repertoire, including contemporary works and premieres
• Guidance from an inspiring conducting faculty, including Musical Director David Hattner, Inés Voglar Belgique, Giancarlo Castro D’Addona, and Ken Selden
• Coaching from local professional musicians, including members of the Oregon Symphony
• Opportunities to compete in solo competitions
• A comprehensive music theory curriculum led by composer and PYP alumnus Kenji Bunch
For over a century, PYP has helped young musicians develop not only their skills, but their confidence and sense of belonging.
READY TO JOIN US?
Joining PYP begins with a simple audition process designed to help students succeed. From application to audition day, our team supports students every step of the way.
Want to get a head start on S103? Join the Audition Interest List!
- STEP 1: Fill out an application
There is no application fee to audition.
NOTE #1: Musicians are allowed to audition once per concert season.
Audition Applications for S103 will be released soon!- STEP 2: Wait to receive your audition time slot
We will inform you of your audition confirmation no later than 3 weeks after receiving your Audition Application. For any audition-related questions, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
- STEP 3: Audition - What to Prepare
Returning Students
Please find your audition packet for your instrument located in the Musician and Family Portal.
For all new auditions, musicians are required to prepare the following:
Strings, woodwinds, and brass:
- One major and one minor scale with corresponding arpeggios in keys of your choice. Winds and brass: 1-2 octaves; strings: 2-3 octaves.
- A short solo piece (an “étude” or excerpt from a concerto or sonata). The solo piece need not be memorized but must be played without accompaniment.
List of String Repertoire Examples by Orchestra Levels
In place of a solo piece, applicants are welcome to prepare one of the following instead:
Winds:
- 2026 OMEA All-State MS Band Audition Packet
- 2026 OMEA All-State HS Wind Ensemble Audition Packet
- 2026 OMEA All-State MS Orchestra Audition Packet
- 2026 OMEA All-State HS Orchestra Audition Packet - Sight-reading (in-person only, provided for you in the audition by conductors)
Percussionists:
- Percussion Ensemble New Audition Packet 2024
- Percussionists that wish to be considered for the Portland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra must prepare the PYP Percussion New Audition Packet 2024.
Audition Tip: Know your scales and arpeggios! Practice with a metronome!
- STEP 4: Wait to receive results
All applicants will be notified of the results of their audition by email, along with audition feedback from the conducting panel. Please do not call or email the PYP office for results. The process may take up to one month or more. Decisions of the conducting staff are final and non-appealable. If accepted into one of the orchestras, students will be sent enrollment information including information on annual season fees.

