Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra

PYSO at Carnegie Hall

Jack Taylor, Music Director

The Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) has been training tomorrow’s classical musicians since 1972. Now in its 40^th Anniversary Season, PYSO is considered among the best youth orchestras in the Southland. The PYSO is comprised of middle school students from grades six through nine. These committed young people receive advanced instruction and challenging music opportunities through a rigorous program that emphasizes ensemble playing.  Members of the PYSO have performed throughout the world, including venues in Vienna, New York’s Carnegie Hall, the ASTA Conference and Competition in Santa Clara and many others.  Last season, the PYSO appeared in concert with the United States Air Force Academy Band, Blue Steel at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.  Members of PYSO have also had many opportunities for additional performances outside the full orchestra program such chamber music at Pasadena Symphony concerts and a special guest appearance on Fox’s TV sensation, Glee.  PYSO falls under the auspices of the Pasadena Symphony Association and often interacts with Pasadena Symphony and POPS conductors, guest artists, musicians and staff.

The PYSO is a full symphony orchestra and is the most advanced ensemble in the organization. Placement in orchestra is contingent upon space available and audition. This year, the PYSO is planning a special tour in summer 2012 to Austria. The String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble are challenging and ambitious groups that enhance musicians’ skills and offer outstanding performance opportunities. These groups perform alongside PYSO as an integral part of the program and have a 2-3 day retreat each year.

All ensembles are open to students who will be in grades 6 through 9 in September 2011.  All ensembles are tuition based programs and students are admitted based on their annual audition.  Returning students must re-audition.  Each ensemble goes on a special tour or retreat EVERY YEAR.  Participation in these trips is MANDATORY as part of the curriculum of the program.

Rehearsals for PYSO and Ensembles are held every Tuesday evening starting in September at

Pasadena High School.

PYSO:        5:15-7:45 PM

STRING ORCHESTRA:   5:45-7:45 PM

WIND ENSEMBLE:    5:45-7:45 PM

Stay up to date on all PYSO happenings!

Find regular updates by Mr. Taylor (PYSO), Ms. Lim (String Orchestra) and Mr. Yearick (Wind Ensemble) on our PYSO Blog.

PYSO at Ambassador Auditorium