Applications Accepted
September 3, 2024 - December 2, 2024
Student Side-by-Side Application Form→
Teacher Recommendation Form→
Students will be notified of application decisions the week of January 6, 2025.
24/25 Student Side-By-Side Program
Experience the PSO, from behind the curtain to center stage
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!
Our previous concert and sectionals
What's it like to be part of the program?
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to audition or submit a video?
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.
How advanced of a musician do I need to be?
Any level of musician can apply! Within the application, particular emphasis is placed on the teacher recommendation section for this reason.
Do I have to take private lessons?
No! Your teacher recommendation can be from a music teacher at school or from a private teacher.
Do I need to be accepted into a music program after high school to apply?
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!
How challenging is the repertoire?
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.
What instruments can apply for the program?
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).
