Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra
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Current PYCO Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony & Symphony Strings members, please check the "Current Members" tab above for important information and updates!

PYCO Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony & Symphony Strings

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For String, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion & Harp Players, Ages 14-20 
Pablo Ardiles, PYCO Symphony & Symphony Strings Director
Nolan Petote, PYCO Wind Symphony Director


The PYCO Symphony Orchestra is reserved for outstanding strings, woodwind, brass and percussion players whose technical level is highly advanced, who show strong musicianship, and who are capable of the discipline and commitment necessary to perform in one of Pittsburgh's premier youth symphony orchestras. Repertoire is at a college/professional level. The orchestra accepts students aged 14 to 20.

The PYCO Symphony Orchestra rehearses every Sunday from 2:30 PM - 6:15 PM (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM for winds/brass/percussion; 3:15 PM - 6:15 PM for strings) from September through April, with winter and spring breaks. Concerts are performed four times each season throughout the Pittsburgh area. All rehearsals take place at the PYCO School of Music.

PYCO Wind Symphony & Symphony Strings

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As part of the PYCO Symphony Orchestra, these ensembles satisfy the need for performing advanced string orchestra and concert band repertoire. All students who audition for and join the PYCO Symphony Orchestra automatically participate in these ensembles. Please note, auditioning students may be invited to participate in Wind Symphony or Symphony Strings ONLY, depending on student playing level and potential for growth. Students may also request to audition for and participate in Wind Symphony or Symphony Strings only.
  • Wind Symphony rehearsals take place from 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
  • Symphony Orchestra rehearsals take place from 3:15 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Symphony Strings rehearsals take place from 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM
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To Audition for the PYCO Symphony Orchestra
Review the audition requirements for your instrument and submit an application. Once we receive and process the completed application, you will be contacted to schedule your audition.

Tuition and Membership
The PYCO Symphony Orchestra tuition is $425 per semester. This fee includes participation in PYCO Symphony Orchestra as well as Wind Symphony and Symphony Strings. Tuition for Wind Symphony or Symphony Strings ONLY is $175 per semester. A sibling discount of 10% will be applied to any PYCO tuition that is equal to or less than the first tuition. If you think you will have difficulty paying tuition, please contact us as soon as possible.

PYCO Symphony Orchestra Directors
  • The PYCO Symphony Orchestra and PYCO Symphony Strings are led by Pablo Ardiles. Learn more about Pablo on our artistic director page or on our music coaches page.
  • The PYCO Wind Symphony is led by Nolan Petote. Learn more about Nolan on our music coaches page.


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The Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestras is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.