core choirs
Scroll through this page to learn more about our three core choirs & how to join:
Now accepting new singers to begin in September 2024!
Looking for information on tuition and tuition assistance? Click here.
troubadours choir
Grades 3+
As the entry-level choir in our four-tier core program, Troubadours is an ensemble of 50-60 students, and over the course of a season, they perform in PYC's two seasonal concerts and may also participate in special community events.
In addition to developing a rapport with each other and a sense of musical teamwork, these young singers focus on basic vocal production and music reading skills, including solfege and rhythmic training. The repertoire is predominantly unison and simple two-part arrangements with age-appropriate texts predominantly in English with the introduction of one other language.
Troubadours rehearse Tuesdays from 6:15-7:45 PM | Duquesne University School of Music | September-April
talisman choir
Grades 5+
Building upon the skills acquired during the Troubadours experience and/or other musical experiences outside of PYC, students are introduced to a higher level of musical and vocal development. This includes learning music with additional voice parts and languages.
Talisman performs upwards of six times during the year, including scheduled PYC seasonal concerts and community events. On occasion, students from Talisman may be selected to perform with the more advanced PYC singers for major orchestral, theatrical, operatic, and choral productions.
Talisman rehearses Tuesdays from 6:15-8:15 PM | Duquesne University School of Music | September-April
bel canto singers
Grades 7+
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 Troubadours and Talisman choirs. 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.
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 with the chance to travel - locally, nationally, and internationally.
Bel Canto rehearses Tuesdays from 6:15-8:15 PM | Duquesne University School of Music | September-April
how to join pyc
Each new PYC singer in grades 3+ 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.