Pre-bidding is now live for our Silent Auction fund raiser for the Pasadena Youth Symphony. Please see the bottom of this page for instructions and rules on how to bid. Live bidding will take place on Tuesday, December 6 at 5:30pm at Pasadena High School’s auditorium.

Silent Auction Items:


#101 – Revolution Prep SAT or ACT Course

Value: $499
Opening Bid: $200
Revolution Prep’s Group Course includes: 6, 3 hour class room lectures, 5 + realistic proctored SAT or ACT exams, Personalized, targeted homework, innovative online resources, and your choice of 2 online Booster Classes (college admissions, AP, Subject Tests etc.)
Expires 11/22/2012


#102 – Private One Time Session on College Counseling for Juniors/Seniors

Value: $350
Opening Bid: $250
Alice Brancale Cotti is Co-director of College Counseling/12th Grade Dean at Pasadena Polytechnic School and a highly sought after college counselor. She has worked with hundreds of high school students prepare for the college admissions process. Spend 2 hours of a private one-time consultation with Alice.  Student must be in 11th or 12th grade at the time of meeting.
Expires December 2012.


#103 – Ready Set Go to Looking and Feeling Great
Value: $199
Opening Bid: $100
Get a head start or wait for your New Year’s Resolution.  Breakthru Fitness is the 2011 winner of the no#1 gym in Pasadena. Get one free month of full access membership and two sessions with a personal trainer at this boutique, upscale, and full service fitness center.  With access  to all kinds of group classes to two sessions with your very own personal trainer, you’re on your way to achieving your fitness goals.


#104 – Club Champion Gymnastics
Value: $125
Opening Bid: $75
Give your student a great Christmas gift of trying out a new sport. Club Champion Gymnastics is offering 4 one hour classes ($80) and 1 year annual membership fee ($45).

 


#105 – Mission Renaissance Art Classes
Value: $183
Opening Bid: $90
Mission Renaissance believes that everyone can learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting when taught their easy to learn, step-by-step sequence with highly trained instructors to help you along the way. Even a child as young as five can get results. The gift certificate entitles you to four (4) Consecutive Children’s fine art classes (4 1/2 to 12 years old) only, and includes the use of materials during lessons. Valid at all 18 locations. Cannot be used in conjunction with may other offers. Fees due should your child decides to continue with the classes beyond the terms of the certificate.


#106 – The Art Studio
Value: $125
Opening Bid: $60
For new students only.
Whether you are an adult, teen or a child, come learn a variety of art skills with your peers.  Choose fine art Lessons according to your age group and bring out the inner creativity of artist in you. This certificate is for 5 classes (each class is one and a half hours).

 


#107 – Bill Plake’s Alexander Technique Private Lessons
Value: $240
Opening Bid: $150
Ask our own PYSO violinist, Nathan Lee or PYSO parent/professional cellist, Cathy Biagini and they would both say that Bill’s private lessons on the Alexander Method has changed their life to virtually eliminate their shoulder and back pain. The Alexander Technique has been taught for over 100 years and the method teaches you how to prevent harmful tension in your body. It can be applied to not only musicians but any everyday activity or athletic performance. Schedule 3 private 1 hour lessons with Bill Plake.


#110 – Private Mandarin lesson for Business & Travel and study abroad consultation
Value: $160
Opening bid: $80
Did you ever wish you had a private tutor right before traveling to mainland China for business or pleasure?  Our very own PYSO parent Dr. Gwendolyn Liu, whose extensive experience includes corporate lecturer at The Children’s Place and Disney Store, faculty at PCC, USC, and Pomona College, will be your private tutor. She will spend one hour helping you grasp the basics of the Chinese language and also spend another hour helping you find study abroad programs. Don’t miss out getting one on one help with a professor without paying the bucks for college tuition.


#111 – Private Violin Lessons with the Local Masters Package A
Value: $225
Opening Bid: $150
Minimum Bid increments: $20
If you ever tried to find an excellent violin teacher, then you know how hard it is to connect with one.  PYSO has done it for you…times 3!  Take 3 one hour private violin lessons with 3 local Master teachers– Anna Lim (PYSO String’s orchestra conductor and San Gabriel Union Christian School music teacher), Leo Kitajima (Westridge School Orchestra director, Colburn School of Performing Arts Suzuki Violin instructor, and Liana Gaughan (Suzuki Talent Education of Pasadena faculty and 1st violin section coach for Verdugo Young Musicians Association).  First, spend an hour with Anna learning how to prepare for orchestra auditions.  Then Liana will teach you the violin technique and how to develop correct muscles of both hands for an hour.  Finally, let Leo help you discover your creative side and teach you how to “improvise” on the violin.


#112 – Private Violin Lessons with the Local Masters Package B
Value: $215
Opening Bid: $150
Minimum Bid increments: $20
If you ever tried to find an excellent violin teacher, then you know how hard it is to connect with one.  PYSO has done it for you…times 3!  Take 3 one hour private violin lessons with 3 local Master teachers–Lindsay Deutsch (Principal Guest Artist for Orchestra Nova and professional soloist ), Lauren Deutsch  (Suzuki Talent Education in Pasadena faculty and head of UCLA Summer Music Academy strings program ), and Liz Arbus (SAA Sanctioned Teacher Trainer and Suzuki Talent Education in Pasadena Director ).  First, spend an hour learning about the musical essentials for an artistic performance with Liz.  Then fine tune your ears and get ready to learn the details of exquisite intonation with Lauren.  Finally, be ready to improve as Lindsay teaches you how to prepare for solos as well as the art of practicing.


#113 – Private Violin Lessons with the Local Masters Package C
Value: $200
Opening Bid: $150
Minimum Bid increments: $20
If you ever tried to find an excellent violin teacher, then you know how hard it is to connect with one.  PYSO has done it for you…times 3!  Take 3 one hour private violin lessons with 3 local Master teachers–Dr. Cheryl Scheidemantle (faculty of the Polytechnic School, Suzuki Talent Education in Pasadena faculty, past-president of Suzuki Music Association of California), Ping Chen  (PYSO violin section coach), and Sharon Harman (First Violin with Pasadena Symphony Orchestra and faculty of Pasadena Conservatory and Caltech Chamber Music).  First, spend an hour with Sharon improving your sight reading and intonation.  Then spend an hour learning about rhythmic precision.  Finally, finish the technical boot camp so to speak with an hour lesson on advanced bowing with Cheryl.


#114 – Private Cello Lessons with the Local Masters Package A
Value: $145
Opening Bid: $90
Minimum Bid increments: $20
If you ever been around great teachers, then you know the value of an exceptional one–priceless.  PYSO is providing you a priceless experience. Take 2 one hour private cello lessons with 2 local Master teachers–Ryan Sweeney (PYSO cello section coach and professional Cellist for Pasadena Symphony, LA Phil, and Pasadena Pops) and Nadine Hall Wittry (professional cellist for Pasadena Symphony and PYSO parent).  Learn to exercise greater control over the bow movement to improve the tone quality, true color, and intonation with Ryan. Then just show what you’ve got to Nadine and she will help you troubleshoot and improve your cello playing.


#115 –  Private Cello Lessons with the Local Masters Package B
Value: $130
Opening Bid: $90
Minimum Bid increments: $20
If you ever been around great teachers, then you know the value of an exceptional one–priceless.  PYSO is providing you a priceless experience. Take 2 one hour private cello lessons with 2 local Master teachers–Cathy Biagini (Principal cellist with Asia American Symphony, Santa Cecilia Orchestra and Burbank Chamber Orchestra and band member of Angels of Venice)  and Melissa Solomon (faculty of Suzuki Talent Education Program of Pasadena).  Learn to play with ease by taking a mini one hour lesson on Alexander Method with Cathy.  Then take another hour with Melissa and she’ll help you troubleshoot and improve your cello playing.


#116 – Private Conducting Lessons with Jack Taylor

Value: $100
Opening Bid: $40
Minimum bid increments: $10
Current Bid: $40
If you ever ask a Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra student anything about Jack, they would always have something positive to say about our conductor.  He understands middle schoolers and gets them to improve as whole musicians.  Jack will spend an hour helping you communicate through music.


#201 Four One Day Hopper Tickets for Disneyland
Value: $420
Opening Bid: $150
Bidding Increment: $20
Plan a trip to visit Disneyland Resort for a day with four complimentary Disneyland Resort One (1) Day Park Hopper tickets. These tickets are valid during normal operating hours.


#202 Two One Day Tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain
Value: $118
Opening Bid: $50
Enjoy a fun day at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles. Receive 2 complimentary Six Flags Magic Mountain (1) Day Park tickets. These tickets are valid during normal operating hours.


#203 Four Dodgers Tickets
Value: $240
Opening Bid: $100
Current bid: $240
Donated by: The Denham Family
Take me out to the ballgame please. What better way then to tell your family, you’re set for 2012 Spring Season with four fabulous tickets on the Loge level between 1st and Home! Please note since the season schedule isn’t out yet, the donor will notify you with ticket schedule and game availability after they receive the season schedule.


#204 Two LA Kings Tickets
Value: $219
Opening Bid: $100
Donated by: The Bristing Family
Are you a big hockey fan?  Treat yourself to 2 tickets to a fun night on Monday, January 23, 2012 LA Kings vs Ottawa Senators in Section 112, row 3 seats 5 & 6. Only 3 rows back from the ice!! In these premium seats, you’ll see the Kings shooting twice.


#207 One Year Sustaining Membership to Huntington Library
Value: $120
Opening Bid: $50
Donated by: A PYSO Family
The 1 year sustaining membership includes full membership privileges for 2 adults in the same household, unlimited free admission during public hours and unlimited free admission during public hours for your children (or grandchildren) under 18, accompanied by a cardholder, as well as free admissions to special exhibits or festival.  Start off the year by visiting Huntington Library to see the Chinese Bronze Mirror exhibit.  The Huntington is the only US venue for these mirrors before being transferred to China.  Then enjoy tranquil moments walking on the grounds of the Huntington Botanical Gardens.


#210 Private Tour of KTLA News with Manny Medrano
Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: $125
Current Bid: $150
Donated by: The Medrano Family
Do you ever imagine what it would be like to work for a local TV News station or be a reporter like Manny Medrano? Manny is a reporter for KTLA News in Los Angeles, and a former Supreme Court/Legal Affairs correspondent for ABC News in Washington, DC.  Manny will take you on a private tour of KTLA News and take you behind the scenes.  If your child is considering this career field or you’re just curious, this experience will be priceless.


#301 Vacation Condo on Maui for One Week
Picture taken from the patio
Value: $1,525
Opening Bid: $800
Minimum Bid increments: $50
Donated by: The Perone Family
Seven nights in Maui.  The two bedroom, two bath condo will sleep up to 5, has a fully stocked kitchen and A/C .  Located at the Mui Kamaole in South Kihei, it is the newest complex in all of Kihei, complete with 2 pools and tennis courts.  Outside the 2nd floor lanai, get a beautiful view of the ocean and gorgeous sunsets, with spacious yard areas, picnic table and barbeque.  Keawakapu Beach fantastic for  swimming, snorkeling and whale watching, is across the stree and down a block.  Kamaole Beach III is about a 5 minute walk. A $350 refundable security deposit is required. No maid service however clean up is included (an additional $150 included). The owner requires 2 months advance notice. Available between June 1 to August 31, 2012. This package doesn’t not include airfare just condo residence stay. For more pictures visit: https://www.vrbo.com/360409
 
#302 Pasadena Weekend Package
Value: $550
Opening Bid: $350
Donated by: Westin Hotel Pasadena and The Rokos Family
Expecting family in town for holidays or want a weekend to recharge? Then this is the perfect weekend package for you.  Enjoy a two night weekend with breakfast for 2 at the Westin Hotel in Pasadena.  Add to the package a memorable dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House a few blocks over from the Westin with a $100 gift card.
Westin stay includes a two-Night Stay, Breakfast for two (2) (tax and gratuity not included; alcohol excluded). Includes Room and Tax only. Reservations based on availability. Blackout dates apply. Certificate must be presented upon check-in. Valid only at the Westin Pasadena. Excludes dates 12/28-1/3


#401 DIRECTV System Package for New Residental Customers Only*
Value: up to $1,212 (depending on system)
Opening Bid: $400
Bidding Increment: $20
The package includes:

  • a satellite dish
  • up to four leased receivers (1 DIRECTV plus HD DVR; 1 upgrader receiver, 2 standard receivers) with remote controls
  • standard professional installation for a residential setting
  • one year of complimentary DIRECTV CHOICE XTRA TM, plus DVR Service and HD Access (including local channels)
  • one year of waived lease fees for up to a 4-room DIRECTV system

*Note: Package must be for a new, residential customer. However, the DIRECTV package is transferable.  If the recipient is an existing customer, or lives in a residence that does not qualify to receive DIRECTV, he or she can transfer the DIRECTV system (prior to installation) and complimentary programming to another qualified person of their choice.


#402 Keurig B-40 Gourmet Single Cup Brewer plus 100 K-cups
Value: $200
Opening Bid: $100
Need a great Christmas gift without fighting the long lines at the store or paying for shipping?  Keurig B-40 is a single-serve brewing system for coffee or tea and has a removable 48-ounce water reservoir. This machine comes with 100 K-cups ready to brew (50 K-cups normally run approximately $30).


#505 Consultation with Award Winning , John Dale, Architect
Value: $500
Opening Bid: $250
Donated by: The Dale Family
Whether you’ve got home improvement projects in mind or want to access the potential of your residential property, John will help you with the first steps towards achieving your dreams.  John Dale, FAIA, will provide up to two 2-hour design consultations.  John holds Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Science in Architecture Studies from MIT. A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, he has practiced architecture for 30 years, winning many honors and awards. His experiences include schools, churches and other public institutions as well as private residential work, both contemporary and historical.
Expires on December 31, 2012.


#506 Dr. Kathleen C. Hwang Orthodontic Treatment in Arcadia
Value: $500
Opening Bid: $350
Donated by: Dr. Kathleen Hwang
Receive a $500 gift certificate valid towards Full Orthodontic Treatment which is for those who have all permanent teeth only.
Dr. Kathleen Hwang graduated among the top 10 in her class at San Francisco School of Dentistry and completed her orthodontic residency at UCLA where she taught in the post-graduate orthodontic department.  Visit her practice at: www.hwangorthodontics.com
Expires December 31, 2012

PYSO Silent Auction Pre-Bid and Live Bid Rules & Guidelines

1. PYSO will accept auction bids once item comes online.  Pre-bids will be accepted until 5pm Monday, December, 5th via email. Next series of bids will be accepted at actual Silent Auction on Tuesday, December 6th starting 5:30pm until end of Winter concert intermission; these bids will follow the Live Silent auction bid rules & guidelines.  At the end of intermission, PYSO will determine who won the final bid and notify bidder.

2. Acceptance of Pre-Bids: To constitute a valid pre-bid, the initial bid must be in the amount of at least the minimum opening bid stated online.  The bidder needs to email PYSO with the following information: 1. Contact information including Name, phone no#, email address 2. # item, 3. Bid amount. Pre-bids are valid after this information is emailed this to: ginablee@me.com and confirmation of receipt reply is emailed back to you. Once the required bid is submitted via email, no names, amounts, or other information may be removed or changed.

3. In the event of a dispute concerning the pre bid, the Silent Auction Official shall act as the final arbitrator.

4. Pre-auction bids will be updated daily at the end of each business day Mon- Fri.  Pre-bids submitted over the weekend will be posted on end of business day on Monday.

5. Pre-bids will halt at 5pm on Monday, December 5th and live silent bids will start at 5:30pm on Tuesday, December 6th Winter Concert. Rules & Guidelines of Live Silent Auction will be in effect from that point forward.

6. Acceptance of Live Silent Auction Bids: All silent auction items will have a bid sheet placed near them.  Some bid sheets will have an initial bid amount as well as a minimum bid increase.  Some bid sheets will have a pre-Bid amount as well as a minimum bid increase. In that case, the contact information of highest bidder and bid amount from the on-line Pre-Bid process will be listed on the bid sheet as starting bid. To constitute a valid live bid, the initial bid must be in the amount of the minimum bid and minimum bid increase stated on bid sheet. UNLESS, there is a pre-bid stated on the bid sheet.  In that case, successive bid must be raised in the amount exceeding the pre-Bid by a minumum bid increase. No names, amounts or other information may be removed once its written on bid sheet. If there are any bid disputes, the Silent Auction Official shall be the final arbitrator.

7. Once Silent auction closes at end of concert intermission, all bids sheets will be collected and winning bids will be sorted by name.  At end of the concert, bidders are asked to go to the Silent Auction Official and/or maybe notified by text.  Winning bidders will then be required to pay in full either by credit card, check(made out to PYSO) or cash as payment.  Winner will be awared the item that night unless notified. If the winning bidder is not present at time of bidding closing and does not purchase the item, the next highest bidder will be awarded the item and will pay the amount in full.  All purchases must be made by the end of the winter concert and be removed from the concert, unless other arrangements are made.

8. Final Note: Some items may have restrictions and/or exclusions and all sales are subject to such restrictions and/or restrictions.  PYSO is not responsible for any dissatisfaction resulting from either the purchaser’s failure to read any restrictions that were described for any reason.  PYSO has relied upon donor’s descriptions and representations of all items offered for sale and make no representations or warranties with respect to the said items.  In no event shall PYSO be responsible for the accuracy of the description, genuineness or conditions of any silent auction item. Value of silent auction items are estimates of the retail vlaue, usually provided by the donor.  The values stated are estimates only. Once item is received by winning bidder and purchase, it is the responsibility of the purchaser to notify the donor and make arrangements to use in accordance with any instructions and/or restrictions specified.  All purchases are final with no exchanges, substitutions or refunds.