Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras

Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO) provide well-rounded music education programs and performance opportunities for young people to foster lifelong passion, appreciation and support of music.

TRYPO is a youth ensemble program in residence at Duquesne University. During the 2016-17 season, TRYPO will serve more than 180 unique young musicians. Family backgrounds cross lines of income, race, religion, and job achievement. Established in 1974, TRYPO has over 2,000 alumni who often cite TRYPO as having given them a solid foundation in the arts. Some graduates have gone on to professional careers in music. Many graduates have gone on to become music educators. Others have gone on to become the audience members and arts supporters who are keeping the art form alive today. There are five key components to our organization:

1) TRYPO Core Ensembles: Students participate in small and large ensembles with weekly rehearsals, periodic coachings, and performance opportunities throughout the year. The ensemble opportunities are Young Peoples Orchestra [YPO] (Advanced full symphonic orchestra, 80-90 students annually); Symphonette (Intermediate string orchestra, 45-55 students annually); Youth Chamber Connection [YC2] (Beginner to advanced students, In 2015-16 season, 60 students in 15 small ensembles).

2) TRYPO Artistic Staff: Members of the Pittsburgh Symphony and others with solid music education backgrounds. TRYPO Artistic staff are comprised of: TRYPO Conductors (2, lead weekly rehearsals of YPO and Symphonette); YPO and Symphonette Coaches (13, run periodic sectionals throughout the year for individual attention, as well as occasionally sit in rehearsals and "Play and Coach" next to the young musicians); and YC2 Coaches (10, run weekly rehearsals for small ensembles).

3) TRYPO Community Engagement: Providing assistance/opportunities to students with limited resources. TRYPO Community Engagement is comprised of: Scholarship (On average, 20% of our membership receives some sort of financial assistance and in 2015-16, merit, need-based, and affiliate scholarships totaled over $26,000); Musicians' Assistance Fund (New this year! Student assistance for non-tuition music education expenses, such as private lessons, instrument maintenance, etc.); and community performances (YC2 members volunteered 67 community performances during the 2015-16 season).

4) TRYPO Immersion Opportunities: Students thrive in immersion settings, both musically and socially! TRYPO Immersion opportunities are comprised of: Retreats (Each large ensemble has a season kick-off retreat); Travel (YPO went to NYC in June 2015 and plans to travel internationally in June 2018); and a Summer Program (Chamber Music week in Chautauqua).

5) The Well-Rounded Musician: A well-balanced artistically minded student is achieved through exposure to a wide variety of experiences and professionals, not just participation in an ensemble. These opportunities take many forms, but include: Affiliation with City Music Center gives students access to music courses and private lessons; two annual "TRYPO Goes to the PSO!" events brings students to Heinz Hall to watch the Pittsburgh Symphony; "Meeting our Heroes" gives students the opportunity to work with the biggest names in classical music; students plan and produce a Pittsburgh Symphony concert through PSO "Audience of the Future" program; annual concerto competition for students; and weekly e-mails provide access information about opportunities such as competitions, summer programs.

What else is TRYPO?

♫ TRYPO is Collaboration: Current collaborators include City Music Center of Duquesne University, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, Chautauqua Institute, among others.

♫ TRYPO is Innovation: TRYPO is creating unique opportunities for students, including commissions, working with living composers, collaborative concerts, summer programs, unique performance opportunities for students, etc.

♫ TRYPO is Growth: TRYPO has seen tremendous growth in all aspects of the organization. Audition registration and student enrollment is up by 83%, audience reach has tripled and quadrupled, and new programs every year.

♫ TRYPO is Stability: With five consecutive years of audited surpluses, we are stable, solid, and ready for more.

♫ TRYPO is the Future: We are creating the next generation of musicians, music teachers, audience members, and arts supporters. Investing in TRYPO is investing in the future of an artistically minded Pittsburgh.

Testimonials

"It was such a rewarding experience getting to play 'real' orchestra music with students of similar interest of mine." - Brian McCowin, Freelancer and Music Teacher, Corry PA (member 1998-99, Trombone)

"TRYPO was a wonderful group to be a part of and defining piece of my musical career…I will always remember the family feeling of the group and try to support it so that other students may experience it for themselves...