About the RPYO

A program of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) Education Department, the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO) in association with the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), motivates its student musicians to achieve excellence in performance and develop a life-long love of music.

Since 1970, the RPYO has offered our community’s most advanced young musicians’ orchestral experiences of the highest order. More than 2,200 of the Rochester area’s most talented musicians have experienced the challenges and rewards of learning symphonic masterworks while playing in the RPYO. More than 200 of them have performed in professional music ensembles, including other major symphony orchestras. Five RPYO alumni currently perform with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Hundreds have become dedicated music educators (more than 30 in Rochester area schools), as well as composers, conductors, and arts administrators.

In 2023, the RPYO formed an exciting partnership with the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), bringing together two of Rochester’s leading music institutions to enhance the RPYO experience. This collaboration not only supports our musicians’ artistic growth but also connects them more deeply to Rochester’s vibrant music community.

Through this partnership, students register for RPYO through ECMS, giving them access to a wide range of benefits:

•An official Eastman ID, with access to ESM/ECMS facilities and the Sibley Music Library

•Eligibility for ECMS scholarships, financial aid, and tuition discounts

•Opportunities to join additional ECMS lessons, classes, and ensembles (at a discounted rate)

OUR OFFICEs

255 East Avenue, LL02
Rochester, NY, 14604

REHEARSAL LOCATION

Eastman School of Music
Eastman East Wing (EEW) 415

433 East Main St
Rochester, NY, 14604

EASTMAN COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL OFFICE

Suite 321, 3rd floor of Messinger Hall

10 Gibbs Street
Rochester, NY, 14604