Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra

PYSO at Carnegie Hall

Jack Taylor, Music Director

PYSO Auditions will be held on May 18 & 19, 2013. Click here for full details and an audition application.

Enrolled students may click here to pay tuition online!

The Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra has continually offered robust musical training and personal development for young musicians throughout the San Gabriel Valley for over 40 years. Each year, over 200 students from over 45 different schools audition to be a part of this prestigious program designed specifically for middle school students.  As part of the Pasadena Symphony Association, the PYSO fosters dedication, excellence, fellowship and passion in the development of those who are not only outstanding young musicians, but outstanding young individuals.

PYSO has performed throughout the world, including venues in Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, New York’s Carnegie Hall, and many others.  The PYSO has also 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 comprised of three challenging and rigorous ensembles. The Symphony Orchestra and is comprised of wind, brass, percussion and string players and performs arrangements and original scores appropriate for middle school students. The String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble are challenging and ambitious groups that enhance young musicians’ ensemble playing skills and offer outstanding performance opportunities.   All three groups perform multiple times each year at venues including Pasadena’s world renowned Ambassador Auditorium. Placement in each ensemble is contingent upon space available and audition.

Auditions for the 2013-14 ensembles will be held in May 2013. All ensembles are open to students who will be in grades 6 through 9 in September 2013. 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:   5:15-7:15 PM

WIND ENSEMBLE:    5:15-7:15 PM

Stay up to date on all PYSO happenings!

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

PYSO at Ambassador Auditorium

The PYSO is comprised of three challenging and rigorous ensembles. The Symphony Orchestra and is comprised of wind, brass, percussion and string players and performs arrangements and original scores appropriate for middle school students. The String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble are challenging and ambitious groups that enhance young musicians’ ensemble playing skills and offer outstanding performance opportunities.   All three groups perform multiple times each year at venues including Pasadena’s world renowned Ambassador Auditorium. Placement in each ensemble is contingent upon space available and audition.