Guide to Pre-College Music Opportunities Near Bucks County
Students in Bucks County who want to prepare seriously for music in college have many opportunities close to home. Local ensembles, choirs, and orchestras provide high-level training and valuable performance experience that strengthen skills and build confidence. At Bucks County School of Music in Doylestown, we complement these opportunities through private lessons, ensemble coaching, and our own youth chorus. Families who want to prepare their children for auditions or pre-college programs can start right here in the community with high level teachers and performance practice.
For information about our youth chorus, private lessons, or summer camp opportunities, please get in touch! And we hope the guide below will be helpful.
Youth Orchestral and String Ensembles
Youth Orchestra of Bucks County (YOBC)
YOBC offers students in grades 3 through 12 a full set of ensemble experiences, from string-only groups to full orchestras and concert bands. Rehearsals happen weekly on Sundays at Bucks County Community College. Students take part in chamber music, master classes, concerto competitions, and touring. They also participate in side-by-side rehearsals with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Address: Newtown, PA
Website: yobc.org
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO) Music Institute
PYO provides advanced orchestral training to talented teens, with master classes, coaching from Philadelphia Orchestra members, and performances at the Kimmel Center. Musicians join one of ten program tracks that include strings, winds, brass, percussion, piano, and harp.
Address: Saint Patrick Hall, 240 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Website: pyomusic.org
Brass, Band, and Wind Ensembles
Bravo Brass
Bravo Brass is a year-round youth brass ensemble in the Philadelphia area. Students learn orchestral repertoire under the direction of Paul Bryan, Dean at the Curtis Institute. Performances and training opportunities help brass musicians prepare for advanced conservatory auditions.
Address: Saint Patrick Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Website: pyomusic.org
Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band and Concert Band
These ensembles give instrumentalists the chance to explore advanced wind ensemble literature. Students rehearse and perform in prominent venues and work with experienced conductors who help them prepare for high-level performance.
Address: Philadelphia, PA
Website: pyomusic.org
Choral and Vocal Opportunities
Bucks County Choral Society (BCCS)
BCCS is an auditioned choir based in Doylestown. The ensemble performs a broad repertoire that ranges from classical masterworks to contemporary choral pieces. Students can join through youth outreach programs like Voices of the Future, which connects younger singers with the larger ensemble.
Address: Doylestown, PA
Website: buckschoral.org
Special Programs and Community Ensembles
Play On, Philly! (POP)
POP provides free music instruction for young instrumentalists in West Philadelphia, based on the El Sistema model. Programs include orchestras, chamber ensembles, summer intensives, and a young artist fellowship.
Address: Philadelphia, PA
Website: playonphilly.org
Educational Partnerships with Philadelphia Orchestra
Ensemble Arts Philly creates mentorship and performance opportunities for high school musicians. Students can join programs such as the All City Orchestra and Jazz Fellowship, and in some cases rehearse side by side with Philadelphia Orchestra members.
Address: Philadelphia, PA
Website: ensembleartsphilly.org
Bucks County Symphony Youth Concerts
The Bucks County Symphony Orchestra holds Youth and Family Concerts that invite local students to perform alongside professional musicians. These events bring together young performers from elementary through high school in community venues across the county.
Address: Doylestown, PA
Website: buckscountysymphony.org
What Opportunity is Best For Your Family?
Each program offers something different. YOBC and PYO provide year-long orchestral training, Bravo Brass focuses on brass, and BCCS builds advanced choral skills. POP emphasizes access and social connection through free instruction. Families may choose to start with orchestral experience and later add chamber music or choral opportunities for balance.
At Bucks County School of Music, we help students prepare for these opportunities with strong technical training and audition coaching. Our youth chorus, recitals, and private lessons provide the foundation students need to succeed in these ensembles and beyond.