Louis Scaglione, Music Director & Conductor
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO) is the Institute’s flagship and most advanced, pre-professional ensemble. PYO provides unparalleled orchestral training, masterclass instruction, and performance opportunities.
Location: Saint Patrick Hall (240 South 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103)
Schedule: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (mid-September – early June)
Open to: String, woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, and harp players
Ages: 15 – 22 *College students may be eligible for free tuition
Why Join PYO?
- Strengthen college and conservatory applications, as PYO alumni are accepted into top universities, colleges, and conservatories worldwide, with access to exclusive PYO Music Institute resources, including audition preparation and conducting classes.
- Perform professional-level orchestral repertoire in Marian Anderson Hall at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, collaborating with renowned soloists in nationally recognized performances.
- Train with Maestro Louis Scaglione, a leading youth orchestra conductor with over 25 years of experience, and receive advanced orchestral training through masterclass sectionals with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra through the Institute’s Advanced Orchestra Training Program.
- Build essential life skills, including perseverance, responsibility, and artistic excellence, preparing for success in music and beyond.
Auditions & Enrollment
2025/2026 Season Audition Dates:
- Sunday, May 18, 2025: 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25, 2025: 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, June 1, 2025: 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, June 7, 2025: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, June 8, 2025: 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Audition Requirements:
- required scales
- a solo piece of your choice
- required orchestral excerpts (specific to each instrument)
Download Audition Excerpts:
Violin (PDF)Viola (PDF)Cello (PDF)Bass (PDF)Flute (PDF)Oboe (PDF)Clarinet (PDF)Bassoon (PDF)French Horn (PDF)Trumpet (PDF)Trombone (PDF)Bass Trombone (PDF)Tuba (PDF)Percussion (PDF)Harp (PDF)Piano (PDF)Audition HereTuition & Financial Aid
- Annual Tuition: $2,095 (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.
2024/2025 Repertoire
Brahms
Symphony No. 2
Elgar
Enigma Variations
Humperdinck
Prelude to Hansel and Gretel
W.A. Mozart
Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola
Prokofiev
Violin Concerto No. 2
Shostakovich
Symphony No. 10
Rachmaninoff
Symphony No. 1
Wagner
Prelude to Die Meistersinger