Do You Want to Learn More About Our Orchestras and Jazz Ensembles?
What’s Happening
TYJE Performs at the Halle in Apex
Written by PA interns Steven Ji, Elizabeth Nam, and Gloria Radford. On Saturday, March 12th, Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble (TYJE) put on a splendid performance at the Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex, NC. Prior to the concert, TYJE had the privilege of working with Grammy-nominated guest clinician Alphonso Horne of the NYC-based jazz band Gotham Kings. TYJO also had the opportunity to sit in with the Gotham Kings at Sharp Nine Gallery, a jazz club in Durham, NC. The ensemble performed the following pieces: Black Butterfly by Duke Ellington, Stablemates by Benny Golson, Smada by Billy Strayhorn, Don’t Git
BHM Spotlight: Henry Thacker Burleigh
Black History Month Spotlight: Henry Thacker Burleigh Written by PA Intern Elizabeth Nam. Henry “Harry” Thacker Burleigh was a prominent African-American composer who brought spiritual songs into the music world and left a notable footprint in music history. He was born on December 2, 1866 in Erie, Pennsylvania. During his childhood, he was noted by family and friends for his talented voice and was taught traditional Black music by his grandfather, Hamilton Walters. Burleigh had to work multiple jobs to support his family. However, it did not alter his love for music. He sang in churches, synagogues, and worked as
TYJE accepted into Essentially Ellington!
Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble is going to NYC!! They have been chosen as one of the top 15 jazz bands in the country and will be competing in the Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival this May. Congratulations to all of our TYJE musicians, families and to Dr. Gelb and our Triangle Youth Jazz artistic staff. Watch the official announcement below. You can hear these amazing students perform at the Halle Cultural Arts Center of Apex on Saturday, March 12th at 7 PM. Support Triangle Youth Jazz and get your tickets here.
BHM Spotlight: William Grant Still
Black History Month Spotlight: William Grant Still Written by PA Intern Steven Ji. William Grant Still (May 11, 1895 – December 3, 1978) was an African-American composer and conductor. Throughout his lifetime he composed nearly 200 works, including five symphonies, four ballets, and nine operas. One of his pieces, Festive Overture, was performed last fall by Triangle Youth Philharmonic. As a child, Still was first drawn into music by listening to his grandmother sing. People soon found him to be a gifted musician. He took violin lessons and taught himself how to play several other instruments, including the clarinet, saxophone,
USC Performs at Cultural Celebration
Written by PA Intern Gloria Radford. On Saturday, January 29th the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission kicked off Black History Month with their 21st annual African American Cultural Celebration. This year’s theme was “Black People, Green Planet: Environmental Justice”. The event consisted of six series with many inspirational and informational presentations. Our United Strings of Color Quartet (consisting of Lexi Etienne, CT Thomas, Tayla Murphy, Sterling Elliott, and Tristen Johnson) had the opportunity to perform as part of the Music, Movement, and Drama Series. The USC performed Ijapa and Mr.Igbin, a meaningful
Partnership with Alexandra Arrington
The Philharmonic Association is excited to announce our partnership with Alexandra Arrington Consulting. Over the next several months, Alexandra and her team will be helping the Philharmonic Association explore ways to increase the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) of our organization. We are excited to learn more, and seek to increase awareness and application of DEI to better serve the NC Triangle community. To learn more about Alexandra Arrington Consulting, please visit AlexandraArrington.com.
Expanding the Horizons of Young Musicians
The mission of the Philharmonic Association is to educate the next generation in great classical and jazz music through ensemble performance, while encouraging appreciation, community participation, and support of these activities.

Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
The Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble (TYJE) is now based in Raleigh under the direction of Dr. Gregg Gelb.
Ways You Can Contribute to Our Growth
Here’s What Our Reviewers Say

The best of the area’s young musicians, participants in the Triangle Youth Philharmonic and the Triangle Youth Symphony…

There are lots of reasons to support the youth orchestras of the Philharmonic Association. The most important is that they give first-rate performances. A close second is that the young musicians of TYP, TYS and TYO are the classical musicians of the future, the pros, semi-pros, and amateurs who will continue to maintain the classical tradition……they comprise the cream of the crop. This is not little league; they play hardball, and they play it well.

[TYP and TYS] do much more than train musicians. They teach a lifelong appreciation and love of music. One alum recently submitted a piece for the Philharmonic Association News entitled: “Music Keeps Me Sane.” Playing with TYP taught her commitment and about setting standards.

There’s hope for our collective musical future, thanks to the Triangle Youth Philharmonic and similar ensembles. The 250 or so young artists involved in the PA’s programs merit our attention and support. Their love of music and delight in the teamwork required to create it was evident in every measure.