Mission:

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. 

About Us:

Peninsula Youth Orchestra Association (PYOA), 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.

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 five 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.  

We are supported. One-third of the PYOA's income is generated through donations and grants, with the remaining two-thirds coming from student tuition.

We are needed. Currently, there are no string programs in the Peninsula  School District.

We are unique. The PYOA offers a program for beginners — a rarity within community youth orchestras.