PYSO String Orchestra accepts talented middle school through high school musicians who show through audition they are ready for more advanced rehearsal and performance orchestral skills. Members learn to play with sensitivity and ensemble balance. Individual preparation of music is required. Professional musicians are brought in periodically to coach sectionals.
The PYSO String Orchestra was selected to perform at the 1996 and 2022 AMEA State Conventions and has performed at the Phoenix Country Day School, the Phoenix Zoo, the Chandler Center for the Arts, the Festival of Trees at the Glendale Civic Center and in Washington D.C. The String Orchestra toured and performed in Chicago in March, 2007.
Middle school through high school (placement based on ability level)
$685
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
North High School
1101 E Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Performs literature mainly at levels 3-5.
Unaccompanied Solo of your choice. The solo needs to be comparable to the end of Suzuki Book 3 or higher. Please perform a total of 2:00 minutes of music from the work. Please bring three copies of your notated music for the solo to your audition.
Preferred 3 octaves for Violin, Viola, Cello and 2 octaves for Bass. Students will be asked to perform scales of up to three sharps or flats. (If you are auditioning for Phil or SyO as your top orchestra please prepare the scales for the highest orchestra you are interested in only).
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!
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.
Bethaney Cross
Conductor, String Orchestra
Bethaney Cross has been the Director of Orchestras at Mountain View High School since 2023 and had previously been the Assistant Orchestra Director from 2019 – 2023. Her education includes a Master of Music degree in Music Teaching and Learning from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Viola Performance from Northern Arizona University. Mrs. Cross also conducts the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras, String Orchestra Ensemble. She has guest conducted the Northeast and Northwest regional orchestra, the MPS Junior High Orchestra Festival, Gilbert District Honor Orchestra, and the Greater Phoenix Union Honor Orchestra. Under her direction, the Mountain View Orchestra program has received Superior with Distinction ratings at Fall, Area, and State Concert festivals. In addition, the program has received the William E. Richardson program of Distinction Award for the 2023-2024 School year. Recently, her Symphony Strings performed at the Arizona Music Educators Association conference through the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association as an honors performance. As a music educator, Mrs. Cross strives to develop a collaborative learning environment amongst her ensembles and build a community of friendship while learning how to deliver a polished performance.
Mrs. Cross is a native of Arizona and currently resides in Mesa with her husband and four children. When she isn’t teaching, you will find her and her family out camping and hiking.