Patrick Bailey, Director & Conductor

Auditions Upcoming Performances View Gallery

The Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), a new program division of the Institute, provides advanced instrumental music students access to training, musical and personal development, and performance opportunities through professional level wind band repertoire. In addition to musical advancement, members develop personal traits of character, discipline, perseverance, and citizenship through their work in the ensemble.

PYSB provides the opportunity to work with highly experienced professional conductors, musicians, and teachers; to rehearse professional level wind band repertoire; and to perform in high-profile professional venues throughout the greater Philadelphia region.

Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band auditions are open to student woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, harp, and double bass players. The Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB) accepts students ages 13 through 18.

PYSB rehearsals take place on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., mid-September through early-June, at Saint Patrick Hall (240 South 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103).

Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band offers:

• Instrumental music training for technically advanced wind, brass, and percussion students with an emphasis on the development of musicianship and high-level large-ensemble performance skills.
• Advanced instrumental training through master class sectional rehearsals with expert teachers and musicians.

• Access to advanced wind band literature through rehearsal and performance.

• Opportunities for students to showcase their collective talents at professional concert venues such as Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, one of the world’s great concert halls and the home of The Philadelphia Orchestra.

• Access to supplemental resources through the PYO Music Institute including College and Conservatory Audition Preparation classes, Introduction to Conducting classes, and access to the Institute’s Student Resource Center & Library.

• A platform for students to enhance and supplement their collegiate and conservatory applications, and to learn about existing pathways to careers in the music industry outside of teaching and performing.

• Mentorship and volunteer opportunities with students in other program divisions of the Institute.

• An investment in each student’s future through development of diligence, responsibility, and personal commitment to excellence — all lessons that have lasting impact on a student’s character and future success.

2023 – 2024 Season Repertoire

E. Bernstein / Richards
Theme from Magnificent Seven

Copley
Halcyon Hearts

Giroux
Riften Wed

Fukuda
Crescent Moon

Fukuda
The Ritual of the Dawn

Fukushima
Poem of the Wind

Hazo
Arabesque

Holst
“March” from First Suite

Jolly
Ash

Korngold
Kings Row Fanfare

Lauridsen / Reynolds
O Magnum Mysterium

Perkins
Asylum

Reed
Armenian Dances, Part II

Ticheli
Cajun Folk Songs: Belle

Ticheli
Simple Gifts

Williams
Folk Song Suite

Zare
Pastorale