Portland Youth Philharmonic

🎻 Just 2 days left!

Portland Youth Philharmonic is honored to once again be a finalist for Best Musical Group in Willamette Week's Best of Portland 2026.

Thanks to your incredible support, PYP brought home the title last year. If our students, performances, and programs have made an impact on you, we'd be grateful for your vote once again.

Voting closes in 2 days, so vote now!

https://bop.wweek.com/arts-and-entertainment/best-band-musical-group

Senior Spotlight: Leo Trajano

Today, we’re celebrating graduating senior Leo Trajano!

This fall, Leo will attend The Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto to study Violin Performance.

Before heading to Toronto, Leo was selected as one of just 16 musicians from around the world to participate in Chamber Music Northwest’s 2026 Young Artist Institute, an intensive summer program featuring some of the top high school string players in North America and beyond. The highly selective program brings together exceptional young artists for three weeks of chamber music study and performance under the guidance of internationally acclaimed faculty.

“My time with PYP has been fun, challenging, and enriching. I've made many good friends, and I've learned so much from Mr. Hattner, chamber coach Hae-Jin Kim, and my fellow student musicians.”

Congratulations, Leo! We’re incredibly proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next.

Recent PYP graduates: we’d love to feature you too! Send us a recent photo, your next steps after graduation, and a few words about your time at PYP for a chance to be featured in upcoming senior spotlights and alumni stories.

Senior Spotlight: Candace Ngan

Today, we’re celebrating graduating senior Candace Ngan!

This fall, Candace will attend the University of Texas at Dallas to study Materials Science and Engineering.

“Performing alongside such talented musicians has been an incredible opportunity. My time in PYP has not only allowed me to grow musically, but it has also helped me build lasting friendships and deeply nurtured my love for collaborative music-making. I am truly grateful to the wonderful conductors and fellow musicians who make this community so inspiring.”

Congratulations, Candace! We’re excited to see all that you accomplish in the years ahead and wish you the very best as you begin this next chapter.

Recent PYP graduates: we’d love to feature you too! Send us a recent photo, your next steps after graduation, and a few words about your time at PYP for a chance to be featured in upcoming senior spotlights and alumni stories.

Today, we’re celebrating graduating senior Domini Pauley!

This fall, Domini will attend the University of British Columbia and plans to major in Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology, combining a passion for science, problem-solving, and understanding people.

“I’m so grateful for all of the experiences I was able to have thanks to PYP. Being surrounded by such talented and driven peers and mentors really pushes you to work hard and do your best too. I will always be thankful that I had the opportunity to learn so much and play such incredible music thanks to the PYP community.”

Congratulations, Domini! We can’t wait to see where this next chapter leads and wish all the best in the years ahead.!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Jessie Ginsberg 🎓

Today, we’re celebrating graduating senior Jessie Ginsberg!

This fall, Jessie will attend Ithaca College, pursuing a double degree in Music Education and Performance.

“I have met some of the most amazing people and musicians through PYP, and I will miss everyone so much. PYP has also been an incredible opportunity for me to grow as a musician, and I am forever thankful.”

Congratulations, Jessie! We’re proud of all that has been accomplished during time at PYP and can't wait to see what comes next. Wishing all the best in this exciting new chapter.

Recent PYP graduates: we’d love to feature you too! Send us a recent photo, your next steps after graduation, and a few words about your time at PYP for a chance to be featured in upcoming senior spotlights and alumni stories.

Today, we’re celebrating graduating senior Taylor Aguilar!

This fall, Taylor will attend the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, majoring in French Horn Performance while studying under David Byrd-Marrow.

“Auditioning for PYP was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in high school. Even though my time with the orchestra was short, I learned so much playing beside some of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met. These people are so driven, incredibly hard working, and so kind and welcoming. This experience has been such a gift and I am so grateful!”

Congratulations, Taylor! We can’t wait to see where your musical journey takes you next. 🎶

Recent PYP graduates: we’d love to feature you too! Send us a recent photo, your next steps after graduation, and a few words about your time at PYP for a chance to be featured in upcoming senior spotlights and alumni stories.

Celebrating Our Senior Class!

We’re excited to welcome a new group of graduating seniors into the PYP alumni family!

This year’s senior class has helped shape rehearsals, performances, friendships, and the spirit of PYP itself. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting graduating students and celebrating where their journeys will take them next.
Today, we’re featuring Rowan Oakes-Harada.

This fall, Rowan will attend the Eastman School of Music, where he will double major in Horn Performance and Music Education while studying under Peter Kurau.

“PYP has made me a better musician and a better person. I am so grateful for this opportunity and have grown so much, so fast. Getting to do the thing I love with some of my best friends has been the best experience I have ever had. My only regret is not starting sooner.”

Congratulations, Rowan! We can’t wait to see where music takes you next.

Recent PYP graduates: we’d love to feature you too! Send us a recent photo, your next steps after graduation, and a few words about your time at PYP for a chance to be featured in upcoming senior spotlights and alumni stories.