Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra

Is that old saxophone in the corner reminding you of your failed dream to become the next Clarence Clemons? Thankfully, you can hand that dream off to someone else by donating your sax to the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

The organization accepts used instruments — from lithe flutes to powerful tubas — along with accessories and equipment like rosin, instrument cases and reeds.

The mission of the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, which has operated since 1993, is to educate, inspire and foster a lifelong love of music. Each season, PYPO presents three major performances, along with community outreach concerts, summer camps, chamber ensembles and an annual concerto competition and student conductor competition.

By participating in the nonprofit ensemble, PYPO musicians improve their individual performance and ensemble skills while developing discipline and leadership that carry into life experiences, school and community.

The students who comprise PYPO come from more than 36 school districts and are joined by peers from numerous private schools as well as home-schooled musicians throughout the tri-state area. Between four main ensembles — Philharmonic, Prelude Band, Prelude Strings and Overture Strings — and its annual PYPO Festival, which takes place in the spring as well as its summer camp, PYPO serves more than 500 students annually.

Those without a lonely violin to donate can make a monetary donation, supporting PYPO’s scholarship fund — so that all youth, regardless of economic standing, can participate. Donations also increase the number of ensemble tuition scholarships for its four main ensembles and chamber ensembles, increase the number of tuition scholarships for its summer instruments camps, provide complimentary instrument rentals and provide tour scholarships for musicians to participate in PYPO’s international tours every three years.

How to Donate

• To coordinate the donation of musical instruments, contact PYPO Executive Director Erika Pierce at:
  staff@pypo.org
• Cash donations can be mailed or donated via PayPal. Information on both donation methods is available at:
  pypo.org/donate
• Information on auditions and other opportunities for young musicians can also be found at pypo.org.