Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra - PYO Music Institute

Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra

Justin Faulkner, Director & Conductor

Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO) immerses students in America’s rich jazz heritage through intensive training, ensemble experience, and high-profile performances, refining technical and improvisational skills while fostering discipline, teamwork, and artistic expression.

Location: Saint Patrick Hall (240 South 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103)

Schedule: Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (mid-September – early June)

Open to: Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drum set, vibraphone, guitar, piano, and bass players

Ages: 15 – 22 *College students may be eligible for free tuition

Audition HereUpcoming PerformancesOpen Rehearsals

Why Join PYJO?

  • Train with world-class jazz musicians in an immersive program featuring sectional rehearsals, masterclasses, and iconic big band repertoire, while developing improvisation skills.
  • Showcase talents in premier venues, including The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, while enhancing conservatory and college applications and exploring diverse music careers.
  • Build musicianship, creativity, and professionalism in a collaborative jazz environment.

Auditions & Enrollment

Applications for our 2025/2026 will open on March 1, 2025.

2025/2026 Season Audition Date:

Thursday, May 29, 2025: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Audition Requirements:

  1. Required scales
  2. Melody and improvisation over selected jazz standards
  3. Solo transcription performance
  4. All applicants will join an open rehearsal and perform with PYJO as part of the audition process

Download Audition Excerpts:

Trumpet (PDF)Saxophone (PDF)Trombone (PDF)Tuba (PDF)Drumset (PDF)Vibraphone (PDF)Guitar (PDF)Bass (PDF)Piano (PDF)

Tuition & Financial Aid

  • Annual Tuition: $1,995 (2024-2025 season)
  • Non-refundable deposit: $550 due upon registration
  • Financial aid available after the audition process for students demonstrating need
  • College Students may be eligible for the PYOMI Collegiate Fellowship

For more information, contact info@pyomusic.org or 215.545.0502.

2023/204 Repertoire

Count Basie
Corner Pocket

Carmichael & Adams / Clayton
Little Old Lady

Ellington / Berger
C Jam Blues

Ellington / Berger
Chinoiserie

Ellington / Berger
Purple Gazelle

Ellington / Mills / Parish / Berger
Sophisticated Lady

Gershwin / Strayhorn / Berger
Rhapsody in Blue

Gilliespie / Fuller / Berger
Things to Come

Hefti
Li’l Darlin’

Mingus / Johnson
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

Mingus / Slagle
Fables of Faubus

Moten / Wilkins
Moten Swing