Connect with music-loving peers and industry pros, dive deep into
orchestra repertoire, and rehearse for your Heinz Hall debut with PSO
musicians!
This program for high school students in grades 9-12 brings together talented teen musicians for student-only rehearsals led by PSO Associate Conductor Moon Doh, sectionals with PSO coaches, a full orchestra concert alongside PSO musicians on the Heinz Hall stage, and more.
Excited to participate? Discover more about the program and apply below!
The opportunity to play at Heinz Hall with the PSO was amazing and also really fun! It introduced me to the basics of how professional orchestras work and gave me the opportunity to get feedback from professionals!"
I really appreciated the welcoming and comfortable environment of the Side-by-Side program. This was made possible by my great stand partner and everyone that participated in and helped run the program."
I really liked the exciting atmosphere and environment that the conductor created every time we had rehearsal."
This was one of my all-time best memories. Listening to the PSO or even rehearsing with PSO musicians can never quite replicate the astonishing feeling you get performing with world class musicians for an enthusiastic audience in a beautiful hall."
I feel much better prepared to tackle harder music and larger ensembles as my musical career continues."
In Side-by-Side, I was able to make so many friends as everyone there was driven by the same passions and had shared interests with me. It felt like people truly cared and appreciated music."
No, there is no video or in-person audition required to participate in the Side-by-Side program. All you need is the application and teacher recommendation.
Any level of musician can apply! Within the application, particular emphasis is placed on the teacher recommendation section for this reason.
No! Your teacher recommendation can be from a music teacher at school or from a private teacher.
Not at all! Side-by-Side is for all high school student musicians, regardless of your plans after high school. You just have to be in grades 9-12, play an instrument, and love music!
While it’s not the most difficult music in the world, it’s still designed to help challenge and broaden your musical skills. Previous pieces include selections from Bizet’s Carmen, Overture to Poet and Peasant by Franz Von Suppé, Animato from Symphony No. 1, "Afro-American” by William Grant Still and Richard Wagner's Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.
Pretty much any instrument in an orchestra. Violin? You got it. Trumpet? Sure. Air Guitar? Well, let’s not go too far. (Sorry, no saxophone, baritone/euphonium or piano at this time).
