Participating in PSG {PYSO} for five years was the highpoint of my middle and high school life. I will never forget how talented the ensembles were, and passionate as well.

Jayme, Viola, 1999-2004

Some of my best memories growing up are from PSG {PYSO}. I have such great memories of our retreats and of course the European Tour. I made lifelong friends in PSG {PYSO}!

Mavis, Cello, 1994-2000

My entire PSG/PYS{O} experience has been a blessing – I have met so many passionate and talented musicians and conductors. I am very blessed to have grown up and matured with such a great group of people.

Grace, Violin, 2004-2011

PYSO String Orchestra accepts talented middle school through high school musicians who show through audition they are ready for more advanced rehearsal and performance orchestral skills. Members learn to play with sensitivity and ensemble balance. Individual preparation of music is required. Professional musicians are brought in periodically to coach sectionals.

The PYSO String Orchestra was selected to perform at the 1996 and 2022 AMEA State Conventions and has performed at the Phoenix Country Day School, the Phoenix Zoo, the Chandler Center for the Arts, the Festival of Trees at the Glendale Civic Center and in Washington D.C. The String Orchestra toured and performed in Chicago in March, 2007.

Grades

Middle school through high school (placement based on ability level)

Ensemble Fee

$635

Rehearsals

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Excelencia School
2181 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix 85006

Conductor

Bethaney Cross

Ensemble Music Level of Difficulty

Performs literature mainly at levels 3-5.

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Audition Components

Solo

Unaccompanied Solo of your choice. The solo needs to be comparable to the end of Suzuki Book 3 or higher. Please perform a total of 2:00 minutes of music from the work. Please bring three copies of your notated music for the solo to your audition.

Scales

Preferred 3 octaves for Violin, Viola, Cello and 2 octaves for Bass. Specific scales will be sent out 1 week prior to the audition date for applicants that are interested in String Orchestra as their top orchestra. (If you are auditioning for Phil or SyO as your top orchestra please prepare the scales for the highest orchestra you are interested in only).

Sight Reading

Sight reading material will consist of one or two short selections, selected by the adjudicators. Don’t neglect practicing sight reading pieces you are unfamiliar with to help prepare for this part of the audition.

Best of luck in your preparation, always start slow and work with a metronome!!

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ViolinPlayer
ViolinPlayer

View our stars in concert!

Season Finale Concerts

April 28

The Season Finale Concert takes place at two concerts on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. An Awards Ceremony is held in the lobby between the concerts. The first concert features Prelude Strings, Percussion Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, and String Orchestra. The second concert features Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra.

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PYSO and Ballet AZ Production

June 2024 (Dates, Times, and Location TBD)

This collaborative performance is presented by The School of Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras. Dates, Times, and Location will be announced later in the season.

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Bethaney Cross

Bethaney Cross

Conductor, String Orchestra

Bethaney Cross received her Master of Music degree in Music Teaching and Learning from ASU in 2021 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Viola Performance from Northern Arizona University in 2011. Mrs. Cross currently teaches in the Mesa Public School District at Mountain View High School where she is the Assistant Director of Orchestras and works with the Music Conservatory program. In 2018, she began conducting the String Orchestra with Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras. As a PYS alumni, she is excited to be back and working with the young musicians of the organization. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Cross currently serves as the Central Region Chairman through the Arizona Music Educators Association. In 2019, Mrs. Cross guest conducted the Greater Phoenix Union High School Honor Orchestras. During her time in the Scottsdale Unified School District, she served as lead strings specialist for junior high and elementary orchestras.

As a music educator, Mrs. Cross strives to develop a collaborative learning environment amongst her ensembles and build a community of friendship while learning how to deliver a polished performance.

Mrs. Cross is a native of Arizona and currently resides in Mesa with her husband and four children. When she isn’t teaching, you will find her and her family out camping and hiking.


Entrance Audition Application

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Have any questions?

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