PYO Music Institute

05/29/2026

Come to the finale concert of PYO’s 86th season THIS SUNDAY, celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary 🇺🇸‼️

Three-time Lincoln Prize winner and New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Allen C. Guelzo, sat with PYO Principal Violist, Livia Kam for an exclusive interview ahead of him joining this weekend’s PYO performance.

“Although what we’re doing is celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Independence, independence happened yesterday. The words of Jefferson happened yesterday. They are for us to work with today. The American Revolution is not over.”
- Allen C. Guelzo, Narrator of PYO’s 86th Annual Festival Concert

Read the full article: pyomusic.org/dr-allen-c-guelzo/

05/28/2026

🎼 Congratulations to Gloria dePasquale, recipient of the Betty Utter Community Impact Award!

The Betty Utter Community Impact Award, created by the League of American Orchestras, celebrates leaders whose dedication and service strengthen youth orchestras and their communities.

As Chief Artistic Advisor of the PYOMI, Gloria dePasquale has played a transformative role in expanding access to high-quality music education. She co-founded Prysm Strings in 2006, which now serves more than 180 students annually across Greater Philadelphia, and helped establish collaborative initiatives connecting students with professional musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra. She also created programs such as PYOMI’s College and Conservatory Audition Preparation program and the Summer String Camp to support students’ musical growth and opportunities. Through her leadership, she has fostered inclusive, community-centered musical experiences.

🎉 Gloria dePasquale will be honored this award at PYO’s 86th Annual Festival Concert on Sunday, May 31 at 7 PM.

05/26/2026

Philadelphia Youth Concert Band, Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band, and special guests, the Wind Symphony, take the stage together to celebrate artistic mentorship and growth!

Inspired by Katahj Copley's electrifying work Ready. Set. Go., this program explores the journey of training, perseverance, and the unwavering support that helps young musicians reach their goals. From middle school students to post-collegiate performers, this concert showcases the full continuum of musical development and honors the teachers and mentors who make that journey possible.

📍 Temple Performing Arts Center
📅 Saturday, May 30
⏰ 7:30 PM
🎟️ Free Admission

https://pyomusic.app.getcuebox.com/o/S1YPDKGV/shows/KNSCTT7Z

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. Their bravery and dedication are the foundation of our liberty. In observance of today, please take a moment to reflect and remember their selfless service.

05/22/2026

Our musicians love getting stage-ready in concert black ✨

There are only FIVE upcoming PYOMI concerts remaining this season!
- May 23: Tune Up Philly
- May 23: Young Musicians Debut Orchestra
- May 30: Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra
- May 30: Philadelphia Youth Concert Band + Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band
- May 31: Philadelphia Youth Orchestra

🎟 Get tickets at pyomusic.org/events

Video by .seo22

05/22/2026

Our PYO trumpeter, Annika DeBear, is in the news! Annika created a young musicians program at elementary schools, helping introduce more young students to music:

Moorestown student Annika DeBear is the creative force behind a young musicians program at Baker, South Valley and Roberts elementary schools that she brought to the district last year.

05/21/2026

Way to go, Isabella! Look out Northwestern University!

Meet 17-year-old trumpeter Isabella Gilligan, a senior at Lower Merion High School, and principal trumpet in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, member of Bravo Brass, and the University of Pennsylvania Wind Ensemble.

05/20/2026

✨It’s the final countdown to the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra 86th Annual Festival Concert!✨

Orchestra with your friends is an experience like no other. Come see the percussion section perform works by Stravinsky, W. Schuman, Thompson, and Copland!

🗓️Sunday, May 31 at 7 PM
📍Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

🎟️Tickets at pyomusic.org

05/19/2026

New program alert! Audition for our inaugural season of Prysm Strings - Center City!

Yes, you heard that right. One of our most in-demand programs is expanding to Center City. Led by Gloria dePasquale and Andrea Weber, the program rehearses at PYO Music Institute at 20th and Locust.

We know what you're thinking and YES, we offer parking discounts to our students and families.

Learn more about this amazing program at https://pyomusic.org/ensembles/prysm-strings/

05/18/2026

Announcing this year's 10 outstanding finalists for the PYOMI Ovation Award, presented in partnership with J.W. Pepper Sheet Music

Nominated by their students, the PYOMI Ovation Award honors a music educator who has transformed the lives of students across the Greater Philadelphia region through their artistry, mentorship, and dedication to youth.

🌟 Finalists (listed alphabetically):
🎼 Jay Fluellen
🎼 Jiyeon Kim
🎼 Samuel Lorber
🎼 Mimi Morris-Kim
🎼 Angela Zator Nelson
🎼 Christopher Norris
🎼 Hirono Oka
🎼 Rachel Segal
🎼 Simon Perez
🎼 Shana Morgan

Learn more about each finalist at the link in our bio!

Join us for the winner announcement during the PYO 86th Anniversary Festival Concert on Sunday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at the Kimmel Center's Marian Anderson Hall.

👏 Let’s hear it for these champions of music education! Read more here: https://pyomusic.org/2026-ovation-award-finalists/