Notes Newsletter Student Spotlight: Kevin He

Posted on April 10, 2025

As we approach the end of the year, we like to seek wisdom from members that have been in the organization for a while. Kevin joined us all the way back in season 98! Now, he is just finishing up his first year at Portland State University.

How has PYP affected your life?

I think PYP affected my life in two different... Read More ›

Notes Newsletter Student Spotlight: Megan Hiserote

Posted on April 10, 2025

As we approach the end of the year, we like to seek wisdom from members that have been in the organization for a while. Megan Hiserote joined PYSE all the way back in season 93 as a 5th grader! Now, she is just finishing up her first year at Portland Community College.

What is your most cherished memory of PYP?

I... Read More ›

Notes Newsletter Student Spotlight: Alejandro Belgique

Posted on March 6, 2025

In this special edition of Student Spotlight, we are highlighting one of our student composers, Alejandro Belgique.  Alejandro is an 8th grade oboist in PYP and has been working very hard in composing a piece, Ostinato, for the Winter Cadenza Series Concert on March 9th.

What first brought you into music?

My parents are both musicians so they kind of made me do... Read More ›

Experience Andy Shin as Soloist with Portland Youth Philharmonic – March 1

Posted on February 24, 2025

As winter’s chill recedes, the Portland Youth Philharmonic invites you to embrace the warmth and renewal of the season with their upcoming concert, “Spring Sunrise.” Scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM, this event at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall promises an evening of inspiring and uplifting music.

The program opens with Lili Boulanger’s “D’un matin de printemps” (“Of a Spring Morning”), a piece that radiates the... Read More ›

Honoring the Spirit of the Columbia: A Musical Journey with Portland Youth Philharmonic

Posted on February 11, 2025

Music has an unparalleled ability to capture the essence of a place, its history, and the stories it holds. This is beautifully exemplified in “Spirit of the Columbia,” a remarkable composition by Portland’s own Nancy Ives. Commissioned by conductor Larry Johnson specifically for the Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra (PYCO), this piece stands as a testament to the power of music to connect... Read More ›

Notes Newsletter Student Spotlight: Addison Kearbey

Posted on February 6, 2025

In this special edition of Student Spotlight, we are highlighting one of our student composers, Addison Kearbey.  Addison is a 7th grade violist in PYSE and has been working very hard in composing a piece, Ascent, for the Cushion Concert on March 15.

What first brought you into music? What attracted you to your instrument?

I started playing piano when I was five, and... Read More ›