The mission of the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestras (RPYO) is to provide an exceptional orchestral experience where students learn, share and enjoy the performance of music to the benefit of the community.

The Reno Philharmonic Association (RPA) boasts two full high-level youth orchestras consisting of woodwind, brass, percussion, and string players between the ages 12 to 18 from the greater Truckee Meadows region.

RPYO members benefit from orchestral rehearsals, sectional coaching from professional musicians, and the opportunity to perform in five to ten concerts per year. Both orchestras perform a spring and fall concert in the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts each year.

The Youth Concert Orchestra (YCO) is a preparatory ensemble geared toward developing technical and performance skills. The YCO provides the developing musician with a well-balanced symphonic experience. Many students begin playing with the YCO before proceeding to the Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO) is composed of exceptional musicians seeking an additional challenge, performing advanced symphonic repertoire. Students from the YSO have gone on to perform with the Reno Philharmonic and other professional orchestras.

For the 2009/2010 season, the Reno Philharmonic and the Washoe County School District partnered to introduce the Youth Strings Symphonia, a new preparatory strings-only ensemble geared toward grades 4-8.