Portland Youth Philharmonic Association

Orchestra:the Association has offered rigorous music education and performance practice since 1924. In season 99, 258 musicians ranging in age from 9 to 23 were accepted by audition from 91 schools in the area; from salem in the south, to battle ground and vancouver, Washington, in the north, to hillsboro on the west side of the Portland metropolitan area, and to gresham on the east side of Portland. Although competition for violins and cellos was very tough, on average, 70 percent of all applicants were accepted, and every student in need received finanial aid. The Association continued with in-person programming, with an organization-wide vaccine requirement and multitude of covid-19 risk mitigation protocols and procedures that resulted in no outbreaks.

Community programs:in 2022-2023, the Association also provided music education activities for Youth in the community with free coaching for band students at low-income middle schools, free conductor visits to school music programs, and low-cost private music lessons taught by 27 advanced Philharmonic orchestra musicians. A program in its second year provided free concert tickets and transportaton to regional school music students and their families, serving 641 people. The free children's concert resumed in person, serving 6,755 elementary school children. The Association's activities are supported by tuition fees, foundation and government grants, business and corporate sponsorships, and individual donors.