The Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (PYPO) was founded by Dr. Roger Tabler in 1993 as the country’s first youth pops orchestra. Now in its 30th season, PYPO is an organization whose mission is to educate, inspire and foster a life-long love of music. PYPO serves over 500 students annually through its five main ensembles, summer camps, PYPO festivals, and international tours. The students who comprise PYPO’s five main ensembles are drawn from over 36 school districts and private schools throughout the Tri-State area.
PYPO musicians significantly improve their individual performance as well as ensemble skills, while developing discipline and leadership skills that carry into school, community, and overall life experiences.
Each season, PYPO typically presents three major performances, as well as community outreach concerts, summer camps, chamber ensembles, elementary and middle school band/string festivals, concerto competitions, student conductor competitions, and coachings and sectionals led by symphony musicians and local professionals.
PROGRAMS THAT PYPO OFFERS
Weekly rehearsals at Carlynton High School.
Music Staff are experienced conductors/educators who also teach at local colleges and school districts. PYPO’s coaches perform with the symphony, opera, and other local orchestras.
Performance locations change per season and includes venues such as Soldiers and Sailors and Carnegie Hall as well as outreach concerts at local high schools.
PYPO hosts an annual music festival for elementary and middle school aged musicians in the Pittsburgh area.
Concerto competition and student conductor competition.
New members auditions are held on a rolling basis.
PYPO tours every three years. Tours include Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, France, Italy, England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Ireland. PYPO will embark on its seventh international tour in 2026.
INSTRUMENTS ACCEPTED INTO PYPO
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Percussion
Harp
Piano
