Since 2001

Oregon's
Largest Jazz
Program

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Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra

Directors
Michelle &
Ben Medler

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6 Levels of
PYJO Bands!

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Also offering

Combo Sessions &
Summer Classes / Workshops

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about

Test your music SKILLS

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schedule

Class Times & Concerts

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levels

Which band is for me?

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inquire

Let us help you with placement!

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New Students

LEARN to PLAY it, HEAR it, TEACH it!

Returning Students

Easy Registration here!!

PYJO POPS!

An enriching band experience for younger students. Play movie themes, pop songs, fun swing tunes & latin music with optional opportunities to solo.

PYJO 3

Formerly PYJO 2b middle school / early high school band

PYJO 2

A mostly high school plus talented middle school group

PYJO 1

Top high school level ensemble focus on modern harmony

PYJO Vanguard Band
PYJO's Premier Ensemble

A mix of PYJO Alumni / College Musicians / Top High School Students - Formerly PYJO 1a

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Rhythm Section
Rhythm Band

Piano - Guitar - Mallets - Bass - Drums

A place for rhythm section members to learn to comp together / behind a soloist, expand knowledge of voicings, interpret chord changes, stretch rhythmic skills, study song form & soloing.

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alumni
PYJO Alumni are around the world spreading music!

Beyond just musicians, PYJO alumni have branched out to many fields in music: College music professors, ethnomusicologists, radio hosts, band directors, private music instructors, touring musicians, L.A. studio musicians, composers, arrangers, booking agents, software developers, bandleaders, studio engineers & more. Not to mention the doctors, rocket scientists & others who still play music to relax!

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listen
Listen to PYJO!

Links to Videos & mp3 of PYJO bands, summer bands, combos etc.

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sign-up
Join the Band or Inquire!
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space
The Burlingame Space - Home of PYJO

Rehearsals, Lessons, Recitals & Meeting Space. Rental Available!

concerts
PYJO Performances

Click here for current concert info.

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lessons
Private Lessons

All Levels - Beginners to Professionals!

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founders
Ben & Michelle Medler

Founded The Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2001.

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About PYJO


Rehearsals

PYJO challenges up-and-coming musicians. Fast-paced rehearsals are packed with improvisation methods, music theory, exercises in all keys, rhythmic training, improving sightreading, listening, composition, and preparation of songs & solos for upcoming performances. Students are expected to practice outside of class and are given tools to make practice more fun and effective.

Fun!

PYJO is fun! Rehearsals move fast and boggle the brain; but are always full of laughs. The Medlers have a great connection with their students. Getting results with positive energy.

Learn to Teach

Ben & Michelle Medler teach the 'Jazz Techniques' class at Portland State University in the teacher education program and are very serious about training future educators. They offer clinics to area schools & train teachers within the PYJO program. In PYJO classes, student leaders are given opportunities to lead sectionals and work with younger students. Exceptional students, who display traits of future educators, are encouraged to become student directors in younger bands. Alumni also return and strengthen their teaching skills throughout the program.

Comments

Heather I. - PYJO Parent -

"Ben and Michelle, I really can't thank the both of you enough for the leadership and education you are providing. PYJO has been an immensely positive experience for [my son]- for both his musicianship and his sense of belonging as part of a community centered around music."

-Darrell Grant- Performer, Composer, and PSU Professor -

"P.Y.J.O. is the future of jazz. It thrills me to see the excitement, the enthusiasm and the high level of musicianship that this band exemplifies. The program is a wonderful service to our community, and a continued testament to the ability of the arts to empower young people. Keep on swinging"

Jazzscene Magazine -

“The Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra…[is] giving young players the outlet to further their talents outside of a traditional school setting.”

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