Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras

Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras includes Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, String Orchestra, Prelude Strings, Percussion Ensemble, Music Memory, and the Young Musicians Competition. The orchestral training program includes five ensembles, and young musicians have weekly rehearsals led by world-class conductors, sectionals coached by professional musicians, and weekend retreats. Percussion Ensemble follows the weekly orchestra rehearsals, and Music Memory is a free program with interactive, online learning guides, surveys, activities, an art contest, and a live concert performed by PYSO's Symphony Orchestra.

Programs

• Symphony Orchestra — experienced, exceptionally talented, dedicated high school student musicians · weekly rehearsals
• Philharmonic Orchestra — junior and senior high musicians · weekly rehearsals
• Wind Orchestra — high school woodwind, brass and percussion students · weekly rehearsals
• String Orchestra — upper elementary through high school students · weekly rehearsals
• Prelude Strings — grades 1-8
• Percussion Ensemble — from all the PYSO groups · specialty rehearsal following the weekly orchestra rehearsals · Percussionists from all the PYSO groups play a variety of styles of music.
• Music Memory — Arizona’s elementary students · Free program with interactive, online learning guides; students engage in surveys, activities and an art contest; culminates with a live concert performed by PYSO’s Symphony Orchestra.
• Young Musicians Competition — student musicians · Annual event for gifted student musicians; senior division winners receive scholarships to music camps and festivals nationwide, and junior division winners receive a $500 cash prize.

At a glance

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• General schedule: PYSO’s orchestral training program includes five ensembles. Young musicians enjoy weekly rehearsals led by world-class conductors, sectionals coached by professional musicians, weekend retreats and the opportunity to perform before thousands of audience members.

About the provider

Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras exists to Expand Horizons Through Music and develop the next generation of Artists, Patrons and Leaders. Its orchestral training program is conducted by professional musicians, and PYS Orchestras have received local, national, and international recognition for excellence and have performed throughout the world. Music Memory is a free program for Arizona's elementary students, and the Young Musicians Competition is an annual event for gifted student musicians; senior division winners receive scholarships to music camps and festivals nationwide, and junior division winners receive a $500 cash prize.

Last updated August 31, 2026.