Season 100 Auditions in August: Hear from our Musicians!

Posted on July 31, 2023

PYP is holding its second and final round of auditions for our historic 100th season (2023 - 2024) this August! With openings for all orchestral instruments, especially winds, brass, and percussion, we invite musicians of all skill levels to submit a FREE application and audition this Summer!

We recently asked a few of our returning players to speak on their experience with PYP and what being a part of this organization means to them:

“Some of my closest and dearest friends have been made through my six years at PYP,” said PYP double bass player Steven Walker. “I wouldn’t have the appreciation and respect for classical music like I do now without PYP. PYP taught me how it feels to be included and to include others in my own life and in the orchestra.”

Since 1924, PYP has loved music and strived for musical excellence. From Beethoven to Amy Beach to John Williams, PYP loves the way that music makes people feel and how it brings communities together. Young musicians who are excited to take their musicianship to the next level are invited to join PYP and meet friends from all over the region who love music as much as they do!

“As a young kid, I always loved the idea of getting to work with others that have the same interest in music as me,” said PYP cellist Pearl Liao. “I’ve been with PYP since 2018 when I joined the string ensemble, and to make it to the 100th season makes everything so worth it,” said PYP cellist Pearl Liao. “Being a part of a group that is completing milestones together and making history is something unforgettable that I think every musician should be able to experience!”

Through dedication, hard work, and serious fun, PYP musicians grow to perform at a level that rivals many of their professional counterparts. Applicants are encouraged to take the next step in their musical journey and unlock their full potential with PYP.

“Being a part of this organization means so much to me because I have a distinct memory of watching a PYP concert in 2019 and thinking, ‘Wow! I can’t imagine being that talented and playing such difficult music!’ and here I am, in the orchestra I watched in awe almost 5 years ago,” shared PYP horn player Alden Leonard. “I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I would not be where I am in my musical abilities had I not joined PYP. The high bar set by older musicians in the orchestra forces every new member to push themselves to the fullest. Joining PYP was the smartest decision I have made so far in my musical career because it expanded my musical horizons to places I didn’t even know existed.”

Auditions will take place in person at the PYP office in SW Portland on August 21-25, 2023. Middle school aged musicians and younger are welcome and encouraged to send in their auditions via video. The final video submission deadline is 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 13, 2023.

Apply online for free at portlandyouthphil.org/audition. Applicants will find a checklist of all that they need to prepare for their in-person or video audition, as well as helpful audition tips at portlandyouthphil.org/requirements.