Supporters of Music, Believers in Youth
Prelude
Welcome to the online home of the Peninsula Youth Orchestra Association, a nonprofit foundation in Gig Harbor, Washington, dedicated to providing quality, professional string instruction and performing opportunities for young people. In 1998, a small band of committed volunteers and educators in Gig Harbor formed the PYOA because the local public schools didn't offer a string music program.
Melody
Ten years and more than 500 students later, the Peninsula Youth Orchestra attracts young musicians from Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, Port Orchard, Bremerton, Olalla, and even students from across the water in Tacoma and Puyallup, to play in one of the group's four youth orchestras.
Beginning to advanced string musicians are nurtured and developed under the care of our state-certified music instructors throughout the school year, and each summer we offer a weeklong string camp that ends with a free summer concert.
Harmony
We are well supported. One-third of the PYOA's income is generated through donations and grants, with the remaining two-thirds coming from student tuition {
Read more about our sponsors...}
We are needed. Currently, there are no string programs in the Peninsula and South Kitsap school districts {
Read more about our instructors...}
We are unique. The PYOA offers a program for beginners--a rarity within community youth orchestras. {
Read more about our program...}
Coda
We hope you will consider all the ways playing music can enhance your child's education and make participation in the PYO an integral part of that educational experience.
Mission Statement
The Peninsula Youth Orchestra Association seeks and trains young people to enjoy the many benefits of music-making in the context of string orchestra. The program balances nurture with rigor and compassion with excellence and is open to all.
Feedback:
From the Officers and Members of Altrusa Club of Gig Harbor
Dear Students & Leaders of PYO,
What an awesome performance! Your senior strings group received rave reviews from all of our guests at the Altrusa celebration. They were amazed at your proficiency and many learned of you for the first time. Columbia Bank's CEO, Melanie Dressel, was among them. It was a bonus that may pay off for you! We sincerely thank you all for sharing your music with us.
