The Prelude Strings is the newest ensemble in the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras Orchestral Training Program. 2018-2019 was the inaugural season for the ensemble. Eager string students, grades 1-8, will be auditioned for the new ensemble. The Prelude Strings ensemble rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings, receiving additional string technique instruction and ensemble experience in a fun and inviting group setting. Professional musicians are brought in periodically to coach sectionals. Prelude Strings is a developmental ensemble for students to prepare them for musical advancement, giving them insight into the PYSO’s program.
1-8
$535
Wednesdays, Time TBD
North High School
1101 E Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Performs literature mainly at levels 1-3.
Please perform a total of 3:00 unaccompanied minutes of music from the solo work of your choice. Please keep in mind the Ensemble Music Level of Difficulty when selecting your piece. Please bring three copies of your notated music for the solo to your audition.
Please prepare to play one or two octaves with arpeggio D Major, G Major, C Major, F Major. On the day of auditions, you will be told onstage which Major to play.
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!!
View our stars in concert!
The Teacher's Appreciation Concert will be on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center.
Music Memory is on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM at ASU Gammage in Tempe. This event an education concert for students in grades 1-5 from all over the valley. Visit our Music Memory section for more information.
The PYSO Symphony Orchestra participates in a Side by Side Concert with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the Phoenix Symphony Hall.
The Philharmonic Orchestra performs in a Side by Side concert with Arizona State University's Philharmonia Orchestra on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Gammage Auditorium at Arizona State University. Time will be 7:30 PM.
The Season Finale Spring All Ensembles Concert takes place on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The concert features all PYSO Ensembles: Prelude Strings, Percussion Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, String Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra.
Maurine Fleming
Conductor, Prelude Strings
Maurine Fleming has served as the String Music Director for Phoenix Country Day School in Paradise Valley for the past 16 years. Throughout her time as an educator she has worked with students from elementary through 12th grade at a variety of schools including Pueblo Middle School, Aprende Middle School, and Broadmore Elementary. Alongside her teaching career she has performed as a substitute Cellist for the Phoenix Symphony and Arizona Opera. Throughout her career with the Cello she has performed with artists like George Burns, Ray Charles, Bob Hope, Johnny Mathis and Smokey Robinson. She holds degrees from Arizona State University and Mannes College of Music in New York City.