Those five years of PSG {PYSO} really formed me into the musician that I am today. I don’t think I would have chosen Music Education as my Major if I hadn’t joined PSG. In the different groups, I was able to play at a high level of musicianship that I might not have gotten if I had just played in my high school band.

Danny, Percussion, 2007-2012

I am so appreciative to have been able to explore Europe and New Zealand on the PYS {PYSO} trips. It was a wonderful group to be a part of during adolescence. I still appreciate and love classical music — when I hear songs we played, memories rush in. I am happy that this program continues to shape youth.

Alisa, Percussion, 1991-1996

The Percussion Ensemble performs on each PYSO concert. The Ensemble, made of members of all the PYSO groups, practices together each week after the ensemble rehearsals. They gain experience on a variety of percussion instruments. The group exposes young percussionists to a variety of styles of music and strives to prepare these musicians for any musical challenges they may face.

Grades

All

Ensemble Fee

None (Students are members of other PYSO Ensembles)

Rehearsals

Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
North High School
1101 E Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Conductor

Todd Betz

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Percussion students will be placed in the appropriate ensemble based on skills demonstrated in their audition.

All percussionists demonstrate the following:

  • Concert snare drum roll
  • Snare drum etude
  • Cymbal Crashes – (Live auditions only. Video auditions will not require cymbal crashes.)
  • Solo piece or etude for keyboard percussion, two or four-mallet. For Solo, appropriate solo selections can be chosen from the Texas UIL list; go to event code 502, keyboard percussion solo. ABODA All-Region or All-State audition etudes are also acceptable.

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Middle School Percussion Ensemble

The Middle School Percussion Ensemble is a Spring seminar series. Students receive enhanced percussion instruction suited for middle school percussion students. This Spring series will culminate in a Percussion Ensemble performance at the PYSO Season Finale Concert.

Interested? Click here to email Todd Betz!

Grades

6-8

Ensemble Fee

$100

Rehearsals

5:00 – 6:30 PM, Wednesday evenings

Central High School
4525 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Conductor / Instructor

Todd Betz