My first season went too fast, and before I knew it, I was performing in Symphony Hall! Throughout this 2-year experience, I gained such a love of performing that it became a passion of mine. This is a passion I hope to continue pursuing for the rest of my life.

Devan, Trombone

PSG {PYSO} was my first exposure to positive attributes such as dedication, discipline, and most importantly passion for one’s trade or hobby. I learned how hard work directly leads to big rewards, but most importantly that laziness and lack of care will lead to mediocre results at best. I carry these experiences into my business and personal life.

Sky, Double Bass, 2001-2008

Going to rehearsals on Wednesdays has been part of my life so long, that now that I’m out of the orchestra, I don’t know what to do on Wednesday nights. Around 6:30 PM, every Wednesday night, I now want to play my cello. It’s a great experience to be in among all those extremely talented people, playing such wonderful music.

Alyssa, Cello, 2004-2012

Philharmonic Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra composed of over 100 junior and senior high musicians whose auditions show musicality and advanced technical skills. Providing a concentrated learning and performing experience for aspiring young musicians, Philharmonic Orchestra performs increasingly challenging classical repertoire throughout the year. Members of the Philharmonic Orchestra are exposed to the best of classical music to foster a professional attitude. Individual progress is expected and recognized through chair auditions and Principal solos.  Professional musicians are brought in periodically to coach sectionals. Philharmonic Orchestra has performed throughout the state, including the SW Youth Orchestra Festival at NAU in Flagstaff, the AMEA convention and in California, Germany, England, China, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Grades

Junior and senior high

Ensemble Fee

$525

Rehearsals

Wednesday evenings, 6:30-9:00 pm
Central High School (4525 N. Central, Phoenix)

Current Chamber Music Program rehearsal location:
Open Door Fellowship Church
8301 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021

Conductor

Dr. Walter Temme

Ensemble Music Level of Difficulty: Performs literature such as: Bizet L’Arlesienne Suite # 2, Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture, Saint-Saens Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah, and Dvorak Symphony #8

Audition Components

Solo

Solo of your choice. Please perform a total of 3:00 minutes of music from the work.

Scales

Specific scale requirement will be emailed shortly before your audition.

  • Strings: Up to 4 sharp and 4 flats Major and Melodic Minor scales three octave unless impossible for instrument.
  • Woodwinds and Brass: All major scales (2 octaves when possible) and chromatic scale covering entire range of instrument.

Orchestral Excerpt

WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU LISTEN TO RECORDING OF THE ORCHESTRAL WORKS THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PREPARE.  

Should you feel the excerpts are above your abilities and have already signed up to audition for Philharmonic Orchestra, please contact Todd Betz to change your first group preference. Please be aware that this will likely change the time of your audition, so contact Todd Betz as soon as possible.

Download Excerpts

Excerpts will be made available April 15, 2021.

Sight-Reading

The audition will end with short sight-reading passage provided by the conductor.

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!!

Questions?

Contact: Todd Betz, opsmanager@pysorchestras.org