Anonymous wrote:OP here--thanks. DD auditioned for both (first time auditioning for anything, so she was nervous). The judge at PVYO was friendly and encouraging. The judge at MCYO was unfriendly and didn't even speak except to say what to do next. (I wasn't in the room, so this is all what she reported.) So if the auditions were any indication of the general feeling of the organization, I hope she gets accepted to PVYO! I'll take less competitive and friendly any day.

My son loves MCYO. He finds it fun and inspiring.

Does anyone know what the PVYO concert band is like compared to your middle school advance band?

Congratulations to your DD.

My DD auditioned for the MCYO and she said the judge was not very friendly either. We were not aware of PVYO.

OP here--just got DD's email acceptance to PVYO, very pleased. Thanks to PPs again for info.

OP here--thanks. DD auditioned for both (first time auditioning for anything, so she was nervous). The judge at PVYO was friendly and encouraging. The judge at MCYO was unfriendly and didn't even speak except to say what to do next. (I wasn't in the room, so this is all what she reported.) So if the auditions were any indication of the general feeling of the organization, I hope she gets accepted to PVYO! I'll take less competitive and friendly any day.

The general opinion seems to be that PVYO is less competitive than MCYO.

My child didn't audition for MCYO last year as we were not in town during their audition dates. So I can't accurately describe the differences. This year my child auditioned for both (this year their audition dates were held the same week), and will find out results next week.

Our experience with PVYO last year was good. My child enjoyed playing with a group of people who had similar interest/ability/motivation (compared to the school orchestra). They played more difficult and challenging music than they do at the school level, which definitely helps them grow, learn and stretch. There wasn't a lot of "friend-making". There really was no time to get to know your fellow orchestra members. By the time class was over, most people are looking to get out and get home as it is a school night. The one criticism I have is that there was no individual feedback - what do you need to work on, are you meeting expectations, etc. I have no idea how my child was viewed by the conductor last year. (good or bad)

OP here; thanks. Wondering if it is an enjoyable experience, if it's a nice environment or too competitive, differences between it and MCYO, if participants grow a lot as musicians--really any information at all would be welcome. TIA.

My child participated last year. (And auditioned for it for this coming year) What information are you looking for?

Does anyone's child participate in PVYO? If so, would love some information about it.