Portland Youth Philharmonic

05/28/2026

Today, we’re celebrating graduating senior Taylor Aguilar!

This fall, Taylor will attend the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, majoring in French Horn Performance while studying under David Byrd-Marrow.

“Auditioning for PYP was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in high school. Even though my time with the orchestra was short, I learned so much playing beside some of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met. These people are so driven, incredibly hard working, and so kind and welcoming. This experience has been such a gift and I am so grateful!”

Congratulations, Taylor! We can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next. 🎶

Recent PYP graduates: we’d love to feature you too! Send us a recent photo, your next steps after graduation, and a few words about your time at PYP for a chance to be featured in upcoming senior spotlights and alumni stories.

05/26/2026

Celebrating Our Senior Class!

We’re excited to welcome a new group of graduating seniors into the PYP alumni family!

This year’s senior class has helped shape rehearsals, performances, friendships, and the spirit of PYP itself. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting graduating students and celebrating where their journeys will take them next.
Today, we’re featuring Rowan Oakes-Harada.

This fall, Rowan will attend the Eastman School of Music, where he will double major in Horn Performance and Music Education while studying under Peter Kurau.

“PYP has made me a better musician and a better person. I am so grateful for this opportunity and have grown so much, so fast. Getting to do the thing I love with some of my best friends has been the best experience I have ever had. My only regret is not starting sooner.”

Congratulations, Rowan! We can’t wait to see where music takes you next.

Recent PYP graduates: we’d love to feature you too! Send us a recent photo, your next steps after graduation, and a few words about your time at PYP for a chance to be featured in upcoming senior spotlights and alumni stories.

05/22/2026

PYP has once again been named a finalist for Willamette Week’s Best of Portland 2026 in the Arts + Entertainment category!

Winning last year was deeply meaningful for our students, families, alumni, and community. It was a reminder that youth arts matter in Portland, and that young musicians deserve a place on the city’s biggest stages.

If PYP has impacted you or your family in any way, we’d be so grateful for your vote!

🗳️ Vote here: bop.wweek.com/arts-and-entertainment/best-band-musical-group
🎻 Support the next generation of Portland musicians
💙 Help celebrate youth arts in Portland

Thank you for supporting our students and helping keep youth music thriving in our city.

05/21/2026

“PYP has impacted me with a really great community full of outstanding musicians… and some of my greatest friends.”

Meet Graham Rank, A recently graduated tuba player in Portland Youth Wind Ensemble.

From building sight-reading skills to performing exciting new music, Graham says PYWE has given him more than just musical growth. It’s given him a community.

“It’s very wind-focused, so there’s a lot of playing… especially for tuba.”

At PYP, students don’t just rehearse together. They challenge each other, grow together, and create friendships that last far beyond the concert hall.

Auditions for Season 103 are now open.

Come find your people! 🎶

portlandyouthphil.org/auditions

05/18/2026

Season 102. ✨

A season of massive sound, incredible performances, world premieres, standing ovations, community programs, late rehearsals, returning alumni, and some of the most ambitious music PYP has brought to the stage.

From Lucy Joo performing Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto in Rising Winds, to the world premiere of Bruce Stark’s Popcorn Fantasia in Popcorn Solstice, to Leo Trajano’s performance of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy in Flames of Transformation, to the explosive close of Firebird Finale… Season 102 felt like a turning point.

Beyond the stage, this season also brought expanded community programming, family field trips, bass classes, conductor visits, and one of the biggest milestones in recent PYP history: the purchase of a new permanent home for the organization.
Thank you to every student, family, donor, volunteer, alum, audience member, and supporter who helped shape this season.

These are just a small glimpse into Season 102. There’s no way to fit every unforgettable performance, rehearsal, backstage moment, community event, friendship, and memory into a single post, but we’re incredibly grateful for all of it.
Thank you for being part of the journey!

Here’s to Season 103. ❤️

05/14/2026

Season 103 auditions are now open for Portland Youth Philharmonic!

Whether you’re looking for your first full orchestra experience or ready to take on major symphonic repertoire, PYP offers ensembles for all levels and a pathway for young musicians to grow, challenge themselves, and perform alongside dedicated peers from across the region.

• Auditions are FREE
• Financial aid available
• No student turned away for inability to pay
From strings and winds to brass and percussion, we’d love to hear you play.
Join us for Season 103.

Ready to take that leap? Let’s hear what you’ve got!

https://portlandyouthphil.org/auditions-ensembles/auditions

05/12/2026

A special close to Camerata PYP’s Season 102!

Former PYP Music Director Huw Edwards returned to conduct a program featuring music by Elgar, Mozart, Boyce, and Ruth Gipps, with current Musical Director David Hattner appearing as clarinet soloist in Gipps’ Clarinet Concerto, Op. 9.

The evening also featured a collaboration between Camerata PYP and three Portland Youth String Ensemble violin soloists under the direction of Inés Voglar Belgique, bringing together multiple generations and levels of PYP musicians on one stage.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable final Camerata concert of Season 102!

05/06/2026

Tomorrow night! Former Portland Youth Philharmonic Music Director Huw Edwards returns to the podium for a special one-night-only performance with Camerata PYP on May 7, 2026, at Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.

The evening will also feature current PYP Music Director David Hattner performing as clarinet soloist in Ruth Gipps’ Clarinet Concerto, Op. 9, creating a rare moment that brings together two generations of PYP musical leadership on stage.

Program highlights include:
• Edward Elgar — Serenade for Strings in E minor
• Ruth Gipps — Clarinet Concerto, Op. 9
• W.A. Mozart — Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550
• J.S. Bach — Concerto for 3 Violins in D Major, BWV 1064R

Get your tickets below!

https://secure.thereser.org/1608/1725

Former Portland Youth Philharmonic Music Director Huw Edwards returns to the podium for a special one-night-only performance with Camerata PYP on May 7, 2026...

04/29/2026

Firebird, in one word.
“Thrilling.” “Hard.” “Exciting.” “Intense.”

We recently sat down with PYP students during rehearsals and asked them what it’s really like to play this piece. These were the words that came up!

Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (1919) closes out the season this Sunday with everything we’ve got, and we hope to see you there!

Get your tickets today!

https://portlandyouthphil.org/events/events/firebird-finale/1253