Our History

In 1974, the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) was the only opportunity that offered musically talented kids an orchestral program. Marie Maazel, founder of PYSO, encouraged Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra harpist Phyllis Susen, to create a companion orchestra, and with Bernard Z. Goldberg, then Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra principal flutist, she founded the Three Rivers Training Orchestra for students ages 13-18. The orchestra flourished. In response to inquiries for an even younger orchestra, the Symphonette, for students ages 10-15, was created in 1985 and the organization officially became Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO). Throughout its history, TRYPO has and continues to achieve its steadfast mission.

Today

TRYPO consists of two orchestras: Young Peoples Orchestra (YPO) and Symphonette. YPO, 65 students ages 13 -18, is a full orchestra including strings, winds, brass and percussion sections. Symphonette, 40 students ages 9 -15, is comprised of strings only.

In addition to a professional atmosphere and challenging repertoire, TRYPO offers:

1. Saturday afternoon rehearsals at Carnegie Mellon University from September to May
   
2. Participation in full-orchestra concerts in December and May that are open to the public
   
3. Monthly, instrument-specific coaching sessions with skilled Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians and other local professionals
   
4. Optional participation in small chamber music ensembles that perform for local organizations, clubs and events
   
5. Masterclasses, when available, with guest conductors and musicians
   
6. Opportunities to attend events by local, national and international musicians, orchestral and otherwise, with student-discounted tickets to the Benedum Center, Heinz Hall and other cultural arenas.