The Portland Youth Philharmonic Association supports two full symphony orchestras, a chamber orchestra, a wind ensemble and one string orchestra. Each group is made up of outstanding young musicians chosen by open auditions each spring and early fall who are seated solely according to ability. They range in age from 7 to 23, come from communities across the region, and represent over 100 different schools. Membership demands their commitment to an intensive schedule of rehearsals and the performance of a repertoire that closely parallels that of major professional orchestras.