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.

Grades

1-8

Ensemble Fee

$485

Rehearsals

Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:45 PM
Excelencia School
2181 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix 85006

Conductor

Maurine Fleming

Ensemble Music Level of Difficulty

Performs literature mainly at levels 1-3.

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Audition Components

Solo

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.

Scales

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

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!!

Questions?

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Prelude Strings Violin Player
Strings
Prelude Strings Violin Player
Strings

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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Maurine Fleming

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.

Entrance Audition Application

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