The nation’s longest-running youth orchestra accepting auditions for Season 101 in June and August: Financial Aid and Percussion Scholarships Available!
Posted on May 1, 2024
PORTLAND, OR – The Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) – the nation’s first youth orchestra to turn 100 years old – is now accepting auditions for its 101st (2024 - 2025) concert season! The organization has openings for all orchestral instruments, with special opportunities for percussionists. PYP provides need-based tuition assistance to any musician who passes an audition, as well as financial support to cover the costs of private lessons, instrument rentals, concert attire, and other expenses. PYP also has multiple scholarships available specifically for aspiring young percussionists. Auditions for PYP’s four core ensembles will be held at the orchestra’s office in Southwest Portland in June and August.
“Young musicians from all over Portland and beyond love the experience they have in PYP,” said PYP Musical Director David Hattner. “They enjoy meeting kind, motivated and inspiring friends, being challenged to achieve more in each rehearsal, and they enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with being in an ensemble performing with true excellence.”
PYP’s musicians often go on to successful careers both in and out of music, and many attribute their success in part to the time they spent with PYP. Whether it’s taking their musical journey to the next level, learning valuable life skills through teamwork, attentive listening, staying focused and disciplined, or building social skills through amazing friendships, there’s something for every young musician to take away from time with PYP.
“I joined the PYP organization in 6th grade,” said Macy Gong, PYP principal flutist. “I’m in my seventh and final season now and have treasured every single one I’ve been a part of. When considering whether to audition, keep in mind that the conductors aren’t necessarily focused on your level of talent, but your potential to improve as a member of this orchestra. I feel beyond honored to have had the opportunity to perform with PYP and I think you’ll find that’s true for you, too!”
Auditions for high school and college musicians will take place at the PYP office in Portland, OR on June 10 through 14, 2024, and August 19, 20, 22, and 23, 2024. Middle school aged musicians and younger are welcome and encouraged to send in their auditions via video by 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 30, 2024 for early consideration. The final deadline for video submission is 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
Once a musician passes their audition, they receive an enrollment packet that includes a financial aid application form. If a musician is eligible for the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch program or is in foster care, they will automatically receive a full tuition financial aid package. The financial aid application process is confidential and anonymized for PYP’s Finance Committee made up of board members and administrative staff. Conductors are not involved and do not know who is receiving financial aid. More details about PYP’s confidential financial aid process can be found at portlandyouthphil.org/financialaid.
Percussion scholarships are provided by the Leo Lester Browne Charitable Fund and the Karensue Sholkoff Dobrow Memorial Percussion Fund. Browne was a beloved professional percussionist and teacher in the Portland area for decades, and a generous gift from his estate now provides financial support for teaching the next generation of percussionists. Karensue Sholkoff Dobrow was a Vancouver resident percussionist committed to music education; the fund was established for Washington musicians by her husband Dr. Richard Dobrow to honor her life work and love of music. She and their daughter Rachel are both PYP percussion alumnae. If you would like to speak to someone about PYP’s scholarship opportunities, please contact PYP’s Executive Director Noreen Murdock at noreen@portlandyouthphil.org.
All PYP musicians receive comprehensive musical training and perform challenging and rewarding compositions – from Classical to contemporary, including world premieres. The organization is comprised of the Portland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, led by David Hattner, Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra, led by Lawrence Johnson, Portland Youth Wind Ensemble, led by Giancarlo Castro D’Addona, Portland Youth String Ensemble, led by Inés Voglar Belgique, and Portland Youth Percussion Ensemble, coached by Gordon Rencher. Additionally, PYP has an advanced chamber orchestra, Camerata PYP. Musicians come from communities across the region, representing over 100 different schools. Learn more about PYP’s ensembles at portlandyouthphil.org/ensembles.
“Every year, dozens of new musicians join a PYP ensemble,” said Hattner. “Applying is free, and you will get helpful feedback from PYP’s conductors. Prepare a major and minor scale with the corresponding arpeggios and a short solo. Your audition might be the 10 minutes that changes your life.”
Through dedication and hard work over the course of the program, PYP musicians grow to perform at a level that rivals many of their professional counterparts. Take the next step in your musical journey and unlock your full potential with PYP!
Apply online 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 on the PYP website.