Formerly known as the “Portland Junior Symphony,” the Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) celebrates its centennial anniversary as the nation’s oldest youth orchestra this year. After being established in the 1920s, it gained recognition both locally and nationally through live performances at the Keller Auditorium and radio broadcasts. 

PYP’s standards for training young musicians quickly became the model for youth orchestras across the country. Tualatin student and member of PYP’s Wind Ensemble (PYWE) Amy Kang shared her experiences as a young musician in the program. 

Kang initially decided to audition in support of a friend who was interested in joining PYWE with the company of a familiar face; however, she also expressed interest in partaking in a more professional ensemble after participating in middle school band. Her favorite aspect of being in PYWE has been “finding friends in fellow musicians.”

“Especially as part of the saxophone section, which I feel like has closely bonded due to our separate sectionals, I’ve gotten to know so many talented and amazing people through our shared love of music,” she said.

PYP has been a catalyst for friendship amongst musicians; however, they’ve also made it a point to encourage and implement the importance of community involvement in their organization. In recent years, the nationally-acclaimed peer mentoring program was established, giving members of the Philharmonic the opportunity to teach and mentor younger students. PYP’s school music enrichment programs offer cost-free bass classes and middle school coaching for youth, thus allowing the organization to reach a further community.

One of Kang’s favorite moments from her time in PYWE was performing The Cowboys Overture by John Williams during her first year in the organization. 

“It was an intense piece, but it introduced me to what an amazing ensemble could accomplish!” Kang said.

She highlights that looking back on her earlier years in PYWE, she’s been able to see her growth as a musician. Nonetheless, alongside the excitement of participating in such a rigorous program, she speaks to the very real struggle of musical burn-out. 

“I sometimes find myself sick and tired of playing my instrument, but my love for saxophone and music always ends up pulling through,” she said.

PYP has been a great resource for young musicians to cultivate their love for music and get the opportunity to play advanced repertoire while being held to the standards of a professional orchestra setting, not to mention the incredible community-building aspects and strong relationships that musicians have been able to build with their peers.