Youth Orchestra

Since 1962, the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra has been a dynamic ensemble providing orchestral experience for young musicians across the Metro-East area. Youth Orchestra members range in age from those just gaining proficiency to high school students. College students may serve as musician mentors. While the Belleville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra expects regular attendance at rehearsals and concerts, we recognize that school music programs take priority!

The purpose of the Belleville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is to:

• Provide quality music and performance opportunities for young musicians throughout the Metro-East area.
• Offer young people the ability to expand their musical competence by performing in a full orchestral setting.
• Inspire students with a love of music.
• Encourage and challenge their talent to promote a desire to go beyond what is comfortable and achieve what is possible.
• Make available an extracurricular music program that complements local school band and music programs.

Auditions for the 2024-2025 season will be held on Saturday, August 24th, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, August 26th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more details on the audition requirements and to sign up for your audition slot, go to https://tinyurl.com/2d4a5dx8. Auditions can be scheduled throughout the year on rehearsal nights. Rehearsals for the new season start on Monday, September 9th. Fees are $75 for one family member and $60 if you have additional family members. Musicians joining after December pay a prorated amount of $50.

Meet the Conductor – Nicholas Pyles

Nicholas Pyles holds both a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance and Music Theory from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Prior to his current appointment, he served as Band Director at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Collinsville, Illinois, taught beginning band in O’Fallon Community Consolidated School District 90, and instructed courses in music theory, composition, and applied saxophone at McKendree University. He was also a tenured member of The Muny Orchestra.

Professor Pyles is presently Assistant Professor of Music, Head of Music Education, and Director of Bands at Greenville University. He is also pursuing doctoral studies at the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

Nicholas and his wife, Katie, are active members of St. Matthew Church in Belleville, Illinois, where he performs regularly in the church orchestra and occasionally serves as a worship leader.

Youth Orchestra CALENDAR