About PYSO - Pasadena Symphony & Pops

About

For more than 50 years, PYSO has provided a foundation where young musicians grow into confident performers, dedicated students, and future leaders. Widely recognized for its excellence, PYSO is the heart of the Pasadena Symphony Association’s education programs, offering life-changing opportunities through the power of music.

Each season, PYSO serves more than 700 talented students from 29 cities, 21 school districts, and 129 schools across Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley. Through weekly after-school ensemble rehearsals and in-school music instruction in the Pasadena Unified School District, we provide high-quality, affordable music education that inspires excellence, discipline, and creativity.

Whether you’re a family looking for an enriching experience or a donor seeking to make a lasting impact, your support ensures that young musicians continue to thrive—regardless of their background.

Join us in building a stronger, more vibrant future—one note at a time.

Since 1972, the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) has provided young musicians with unforgettable experiences—both at home and abroad.

PYSO has toured internationally on numerous occasions, performing in some of the world’s most renowned concert halls and representing Pasadena on the global stage.

Thanks to donor support, the PYSO places professional teaching artists in classrooms to enhance music education, provides over $50,000 in student scholarships for participation in its 11 ensembles, and led an instrument drive that returned more than 300 instruments to students impacted by the Eaton fires.

At its core, PYSO is about more than music. We foster dedication, excellence, fellowship, and passion, helping students grow not only as musicians, but as confident, collaborative, and compassionate individuals.

Our program includes a range of ensembles tailored to different levels and instruments: All City Orchestra, Prelude Strings, Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, Overture Strings, Symphony, Sinfonia, and Philharmonic.

For more detailed information about ensembles click here.

For information regarding PYSO, please contact our Director of Education and Community Engagement, Alex Chu, at achu@PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org.