performance choirs
Scroll through this page to learn more about our two core choirs & how to join:
Now accepting new singers to begin in September 2025!
Looking for information on tuition and tuition assistance? Click here.
talisman
Grades 4+
As the entry-level choir in our core program, Talisman is an ensemble of 30-50 students. Over the course of a season, they perform in PYC's two seasonal concerts, as well as special collaborations and community events – including occasional professional orchestral, theatrical, and operatic productions, with as many as six performances over the course of the year.
In addition to developing rapport and teamwork, these young singers focus on healthy vocal production and music reading skills, including solfege and rhythmic training. The repertoire begins in unison and develops into two- and sometimes three-part arrangements with age-appropriate texts, mostly in English, with the introduction of one other language.
Generally, students sing with Talisman two or three years before moving to the next choir, allowing them to revisit and strengthen skills acquired during their first weeks in PYC’s performance choirs.
Talisman rehearses Tuesdays 6:15 PM | Duquesne University
September-April
Weekly Rehearsal Duration: 90-120 minutes
bel canto singers
Grades 6+
Bels rehearse Tuesdays 6:15 PM | Duquesne University
September-April
Weekly Rehearsal Duration: 120+ minutes
The Bel Canto Singers are among the most advanced choristers in PYC. Singers demonstrate a commitment to choral musicianship through participation in school and/or community musical activities or by progressing through the Training Choirs and Talisman. Bel Canto Singers perform complex music representing numerous styles, languages, and cultures.
Bel Canto Singers often receive the greatest number of performance opportunities in the Pittsburgh community and therefore require a strong commitment to the chorus and a willingness to learn music independently on occasion. Singers will often learn choreography and staging to enhance their performances.
The “Bels” are frequently called upon to sing for PYC’s most visible performances, including innovative self-produced concerts, as well as collaborations with other notable organizations from across the Pittsburgh arts community. Membership at this level of PYC also affords singers the chance to travel locally, nationally, and internationally.
how to join pyc
Each new PYC singer in grades 4+ is required to participate in a placement session which is a short group format session where PYC conductors can determine the best choir placement for your singer! This is not an audition, but a fun activity that will feel comfortable and let your singer just enjoy singing! All placement sessions take place at Duquesne University.
step 1
Review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about participating in PYC programs.
Sign up for one of our upcoming Placement Dates or Open Classes (experience what PYC is all about!) by filling out our interest form.
step 2
After your placement session, we will email you to tell you what choir you’ve been placed in. You can then register using the registration form we will send you.