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

2021-2022 Tuition fees posted soon

Rehearsals

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

Current rehearsal location:
Madison Center for the Arts
5601 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016

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.

Apply Now

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

Philharmonic Orchestra Excerpts

Sight-Reading

A sight-reading component may be a part of the virtual audition. More information may be posted later.

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

Philharmonic Orchestra
Philharmonic Orchestra

View our stars in concert.

Dr. Walter Temme

Dr. Walter Temme

Conductor, Philharmonic Orchestra

Walter Temme received a doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University in 1989.  His doctoral dissertation reflects his emphasis on conducting and his commitment to rehearsal style.  He performed in and assisted with the A.S.U. Symphony.  He was on the faculty of Humboldt State University (California) and Wartburg College (Iowa).  Known for violin performance, Dr. Temme also performed as a violist at Kansas State and was Principal Violist of the Topeka Symphony.

Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor since 1988, Dr. Temme has been instrumental in the remarkable development of the PYS Philharmonic Orchestra, recognized as one of the most exciting youth orchestras in the area, largely because of his emphasis on musicality.  Dr. Temme is credited with revitalizing the orchestral programs in the Scottsdale Schools and is currently Director of Orchestras at Mountain View High School in Mesa.  Twice he has been cited in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  He has served as an officer of the Arizona Unit of ASTA and has held leadership positions with ABODA.  Dr. Temme was named the 2011 Arizona Music Educator of the Year. Most recently, he was named the 2013 Public School String Teacher of the Year by the Arizona chapter of ASTA.

In demand as an orchestral conductor, adjudicator and clinician, he has conducted the Arizona Junior High All-State Orchestra, the Greater Phoenix Honor Orchestra as well as Regional Honor Orchestras throughout Arizona. During the summers, he is a regular guest conductor at the NAU Curry Summer Music Camp in Flagstaff. In December 2010 his Mountain View Chamber Orchestra performed for the second time at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic; they first performed at Midwest in 2001.  He has received the O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Education award from the AMEA.  In January 2003 he was named one of the 50 Directors Who Make a Difference by Band and Orchestra Magazine.  As an educator and performer, Dr. Temme believes in an interactive learning and performing experience to develop the young musician.



Entrance Audition Application

Apply Now

Interested? Want to learn more about this ensemble?

If you are interested in Philharmonic Orchestra and would like more information, please email Todd Betz, PYSO Operations Manager at opsmanager@pysorchestras.org.