Mission: The Mission of the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra is to educate, train, and develop students to excel in music as a career or a lifelong avocation. Developing the musicianship of all our students is the foundation of our curriculum. We believe that the lessons and qualities derived from that work—the self-discipline needed for excellence, the empathy required of music making and the openness and inquisitiveness essential to creativity—are critical to achievement in any pursuit, musical or otherwise; and that music is a powerful catalyst for personal growth, which is central to any human experience. Our orchestra is distinctly contemporary in its content and approach, and covers the principal musical movements of our time. Through a course of scholarly and practical learning experiences integrating performance and student leadership, our curriculum covers a variety of influential styles in orchestral music.
Results: The Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra originated as Pittsburgh’s Phoenix Youth Festival Orchestra and was founded by Roger Tabler in 1993 as the country’s first youth pops orchestra. In 2009, the name was changed to the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra exists to provide an opportunity for dedicated young musicians from the Greater Pittsburgh area, regardless of economic status, to be exposed to richly varied repertory and performance venues. The Youth Philharmonic provides the members of the orchestra with challenges that will encourage their capabilities, enrich their social lives, involve them in the community, and promote leadership. The quality of their musical performances, the long term commitment to the orchestra by many of the musicians and the large number of alumni who continue their musical careers after graduating are a tribute to the effectiveness of the program.
Target demographics: Young Musicians in Elementary through High School
Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 300 young musicians
Geographic areas served: Pittsburgh
Programs: String, Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion musicians in Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras
Donor & Volunteer Advisory
This organization's nonprofit status may have been revoked or it may have merged with another
organization or ceased operations.
I just recently joined the board, and I can tell you, with complete certainty, that this musical community is committed to engaging children in an artistic endeavor that will give them a foundation for lifelong arts avocation, important life skills they will use constantly, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Outstanding organization which had a great impact on fostering my daughters' love of music in an environment where they built solid friendships and what they hope will be lifelong relationships.
