Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras

The Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras (PYSO) have continually offered robust musical training and personal development for young musicians throughout the San Gabriel Valley for more than 40 years. Each year, more than 300 students from 50 different schools audition to be a part of this prestigious program designed specifically for students between the ages of 11 and 18. 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 experienced opportunities to play additional performances outside the full orchestra program, such as chamber music at Pasadena Symphony concerts, and special guest appearances on Fox’s TV sensation, “Glee.” PYSO falls under the auspices of the Pasadena Symphony Association, and students often interact with Pasadena Symphony and POPS conductors, guest artists, musicians, and staff.

PYSO is comprised of four challenging and rigorous ensembles. The String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble are specialty groups that enhance young musicians’ ensemble playing skills, and offer multiple performance opportunities. The Symphony is comprised of wind, brass, percussion, and string players, and performs arrangements and original scores appropriate for intermediate level students. In May of 2013, the PYSO added another ensemble, the PYSO Philharmonic, further extending the program to include advanced students who perform major symphonic repertoire. All four groups perform multiple times each year at a variety of venues, including Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium. Placement in each ensemble is contingent upon space availability and audition quality.

Another ensemble within the PYSO is the PYSO All City Orchestra, an education initiative launched by the Pasadena Symphony Association in 2012 for students of the Pasadena Unified School District. The program provides small group and full ensemble instruction for students in partnership with school district faculty. This tuition-free ensemble is only eligible for PUSD students in the 3rd to 6th grades enrolled in their school music programs.