Participating in PSG {PYSO} for five years was the highpoint of my middle and high school life. I will never forget how talented the ensembles were, and passionate as well.

Jayme, Viola, 1999-2004

Some of my best memories growing up are from PSG {PYSO}. I have such great memories of our retreats and of course the European Tour. I made lifelong friends in PSG {PYSO}!

Mavis, Cello, 1994-2000

My entire PSG/PYS{O} experience has been a blessing – I have met so many passionate and talented musicians and conductors. I am very blessed to have grown up and matured with such a great group of people.

Grace, Violin, 2004-2011

PYSO String Orchestra accepts talented upper elementary through 9th grade students 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.

Grades

Upper elementary through 9th grade

Ensemble Fee

$635

Rehearsals

Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30 pm

Central High School
4525 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Conductor

Bethaney Cross

Ensemble Music Level of Difficulty: Performs literature mainly at levels 3-5.

Audition Window Closed

The 1st and 2nd Round Entrance Audition windows are closed. We are accepting ongoing audition applications on a case-by-case basis. Please visit our Contact page and choose “Auditions”.

Audition Components

Solo

Solo of your choice. The solo needs to be comparable to the middle of Suzuki Book 3 or higher. Please perform a total of 3:00 minutes of music from the work.

Scales and Sight Reading

Specific scale and sight reading requirements will be emailed.

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?

If you are interested in String Orchestra and would like more information or have questions, please click the “Learn More!” button below to let us know you are interested and we will contact you soon.

Learn More!

ViolinPlayer
ViolinPlayer

View our stars in concert!

Teacher Appreciation Concert

February 26, 2023 3:30 pm

This special concert recognizes the instrumental music teachers of PYSO musicians. Featuring: PYSO Percussion Ensemble, Prelude Strings, Wind Orchestra, String Orchestra, and Philharmonic Orchestra. The Teacher Appreciation Concert is on February 26, 2023 at 3:30 PM at the Mesa Community College Performing arts Center.

Buy Tickets
Learn More

Side By Side Concert

April 19, 2023 7:30 pm

A fascinating evening of musical partnership between the musicians of The Phoenix Symphony and the Phoenix Youth Symphony. The concert will feature the winners of The Phoenix Youth Symphony Young Musicians Concerto Competition and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. The concert is scheduled for April 19, 2023 at 7:30 PM at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, AZ. Purchase Tickets Here

Buy Tickets
Learn More

Philharmonic Concert

April 24, 2023 7:30 pm

The Philharmonic Orchestra Concert is on April 24 at 7:30 PM at ASU's Gammage Auditorium. This concert will feature a collaboration with the Arizona State University Philharmonia Orchestra.

Learn More

Season Finale Concert

April 30, 2023 3:30 pm

The PYSO Season Finale Concert features all PYSO ensembles and is on April 30, 2023 at 3:30 PM at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Learn More

Bethaney Cross

Bethaney Cross

Conductor, String Orchestra

Bethaney Cross received her Master of Music degree in Music Teaching and Learning from ASU in 2021 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Viola Performance from Northern Arizona University in 2011. Mrs. Cross currently teaches in the Mesa Public School District at Mountain View High School where she is the Assistant Director of Orchestras and works with the Music Conservatory program. In 2018, she began conducting the String Orchestra with Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras. As a PYS alumni, she is excited to be back and working with the young musicians of the organization. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Cross currently serves as the Central Region Chairman through the Arizona Music Educators Association. In 2019, Mrs. Cross guest conducted the Greater Phoenix Union High School Honor Orchestras. During her time in the Scottsdale Unified School District, she served as lead strings specialist for junior high and elementary orchestras.

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.


Entrance Audition Application

Audition Window Closed

The 1st and 2nd Round Entrance Audition windows are closed. We are accepting ongoing audition applications on a case-by-case basis. Please visit our Contact page and choose “Auditions”.

Interested? Want to learn more about this ensemble?

If you are interested in String Orchestra and would like more information or have questions, please click the “Learn More!” button below to let us know you are interested and we will contact you soon.

Learn More!