Become a Member
Join the Orchestra
No prior experience required. Just a love of music and a willingness to learn.
Eligibility
Who Can Join?
The Panama City Youth Orchestra is open to young musicians of all skill levels. Whether your child is just beginning or has years of experience, there is a place for them here.
- Open to student musicians — primarily school-age youth through high school
- Primarily a string orchestra — violin, viola, cello, and bass — but all instruments are welcome
- All skill levels welcome — from beginners to advanced players
Adult musicians: Experienced adults can join as volunteer mentors, playing alongside students to strengthen the ensemble. If you're interested in mentoring, reach out to us.
Ready to enroll? See how to joinTuition & Fees
How Much Does It Cost?
We keep tuition intentionally low so that cost is never a barrier to participation. Our mentors and board are volunteers, which means your dollars go directly toward giving students an exceptional experience.
First Student
Per semester, for the first student in a family.
Each Additional Student (Same Family)
Per semester, for every additional student from the same family.
Financial Hardship
We never want the fee to be a barrier to participation. A Scholarship Request form is available — please contact us if tuition is a difficulty and we will work something out.
Florida PEP (Personalized Education Program) students can use their PEP funds to cover tuition — no out-of-pocket cost for parents. Contact us for details.
Schedule
When Are Rehearsals?
Rehearsals are held at Gulf Coast State College. The season runs in two halves — fall and spring.
Both rehearsals are part of the same PCYO program. Enrolled students are welcome to attend Prelude Strings, the full orchestra rehearsal, or both — whichever fits their level and schedule.
Gulf Coast State College — Amelia Tapper Center, Room 133
5230 West Hwy 98, Panama City, FL 32401
View the full calendar for all upcoming dates.
What to Expect
Commitments & Expectations
We ask all members to commit to the season so the ensemble can perform at its best. Here's what that looks like:
- Attend weekly Thursday rehearsals consistently throughout the season
- Participate in the end of semester concerts
- Practice independently between rehearsals
- Provide their own instrument
- Provide their own black concert attire
Assessment Materials
Required Assessment Pieces
Assessments are used for placement in the orchestra—such as concertmaster, section leader, or chair assignment. The entry standard is very low; we want to give every musician a chance to play with us.
-
One of the following major scales and arpeggios: C, G, D, A,
E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab.
- All scales and arpeggios must be two octaves.
- All scales and arpeggios must be memorized.
- Scales and arpeggios must be played in even eighth notes using separate bows at a quarter note = 60-80.
- A 2–3 minute solo piece of your choosing to showcase your skill as a musician.
- Assessment excerpts for your instrument
Download the assessment excerpts for your instrument below.
Assessments required: Violin, viola, cello, and double bass only. Other instruments are welcome to join without taking assessments.
If you are unable to attend assessments in person, you can submit a video assessment by August 7.
Enrollment
How to Join
We'd love to have your student join us. Reach out to us and we'll walk you through enrollment, assessments, and getting started.
Contact Us