Frequently Asked ENROLLMENT Questions

No experience is required to begin playing with the Peninsula Youth Orchestra. We start beginning students with instruction on how to hold their instruments, the names of the strings and even how to read music. If you have not yet chosen an instrument, we can let you experiment with some of ours to get a feel for what instrument you might be interested in playing.

Joining the PYO is simple. You can register online now through TeamSnap here  or contact us by calling (253) 534-5384, or emailing: info@harborpyo.com. Or you can stop in and see a rehearsal.

The PYO is designed for students in grades 4-12. Though there are some exceptions, we generally take students starting in the 4th grade (beginning or experienced). We prefer to stick to this because of the maturity and ability of the students to socialize and keep up with peers in their level (not only their musical ability). PYO offers four levels of string instruction. Debut introduces the student to string instruments and beginning instruction — beginning students need NOT audition. Any student entering a level other than Debut will need to audition. The other levels are, with some exceptions: Encore — second year or equivalent experience; Junior — students in 6th grade or above with at least two years experience; and Youth — students in 9th grade or above with at least three years experience.

Debut and Encore orchestras rehearse two times per week. On Tuesdays, Debut rehearses from 5:00 to 5:45p.m. and Encore from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.,  Thursdays  Debut is from 5:00 -5:45 and Encore 4:00-5:00 . Both days are at St. John's Episcopal in Gig Harbor. Junior and Youth orchestras rehearse on Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Rehearsals are held at St. John's Episcopal Gig Harbor.

We traditionally have two regular season concerts, one in January and one in June. Our summer string camp program also rehearses for a string camp concert in August. In addition, sometimes our orchestras get asked to perform for special events during the year.

We are fortunate to have several excellent, state-certified instructors with the PYO (which makes it possible to document involvement for home-schooling students). To read about our instructors, please see the our staff page. Ask us how you can receive credit for your involvement with the PYO by contacting us at: info@harborpyo.com.