The Philharmonic Association seeks to foster the love of great music in young musicians by sponsoring five musical ensembles. These ensembles include three full symphony orchestras and a string orchestra that study and perform great classical music. The different orchestras seek to provide opportunities to musicians of various levels of proficiency.

The Triangle Youth Philharmonic, (TYP), is the most advanced group; the Triangle Youth Symphony, (TYS), is for moderately advanced musicians; and the Triangle Youth Orchestra, (TYO), is for intermediate students with less orchestral experience. The fourth group, the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble, (TYJE), is for advanced high school musicians interested in studying and performing the best of the big band and small ensemble jazz literature. Participation in TYP, TYS, TYO, and TYJE is by annual audition.

The Triangle Youth String Orchestra (TYSO) was formed in 2009 to help young string players develop their ensemble skills. Members should have some prior experience such as private lessons or school orchestra. Although no entrance audition is required, the ability to sightread is necessary. The PA will offer two rehearsal locations and evenings, Mondays in Cary and Thursdays in Raleigh. Musicians will be able to indicate their prefernece at the Open House on August 30.