Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO): Notes from Mr. Yearick (Wind Ensemble)

Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra

The Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) has been training tomorrow’s classical musicians since 1972. Now in its 40th Anniversary Season, PYSO is considered among the best youth orchestras in the Southland. The PYSO is comprised of middle school students from grades six through nine. These committed young people receive advanced instruction and challenging music opportunities through a rigorous program that emphasizes ensemble playing. Members of the PYSO have performed throughout the world, including venues in Vienna, New York’s Carnegie Hall, the ASTA Conference and Competition in Santa Clara and many others. Last season, the PYSO appeared in concert with the United States Air Force Academy Band, Blue Steel at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Members of PYSO have also had many opportunities for additional performances outside the full orchestra program such chamber music at Pasadena Symphony concerts and a special guest appearance on Fox’s TV sensation, Glee. PYSO falls under the auspices of the Pasadena Symphony Association and often interacts with Pasadena Symphony and POPS conductors, guest artists, musicians and staff.

Upcoming Events and News

PYSO Reminder:

Mandatory Visit at The Ambassador Auditorium! / March 29th at 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Attention All PYSO Musician's (Symphony, String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble);

You are invited to come and sit in on the Pasadena Symphony rehearsal prior to their formal concert.

"Being able to watch and learn from master musicians is vital to achieving our educational goals. For this reason, each student is required to attend a Pasadena Symphony rehearsal during the season."

DO NOT BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT!

Details Below:

What: Pasadena Symphony Formal Rehearsal
When: Thursday, March 29th at 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Where: Ambassador Auditorium -- 131 S. St. John Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105

Meet in the Front (Fountain) for a PYSO Group Photo at 7:00 p.m.

Wear: PYSO Attire (PYSO - Symphony, String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble) Polo Shirt, and appropriate pants.

**A group picture will be taken at The Ambassador Auditorium.**

PARKING INSTRUCTIONS:

- DO NOT PARK in the Maranatha parking garage.
- An above ground parking lot is available at 300 Green Street, it is directly across the street from Ralphs. Entry to Ambassador is just south of the parking lot.
- ADDITIONAL PARKING IS AVAILABLE ON GREEN STREET.
- On-street parking is available on Green St. and St. John Ave. - On-street parking is not available on Del Mar Blvd. or Orange Grove Blvd.
- St. John Ave. is One-Way. You will need to circle the campus in order to re-enter St. John via Green Street.

- Please carpool!
____________________________________________________________________ If you need any information, please contact me at (626) 793-7172 x23 or email me at GFuentes@pasadenasymphony-pops.org Mr. Fuentes (PYSO Coordinator)

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Notes from Mr. Yearick (Wind Ensemble)

Schedule for November 1st:

5:45-6:30 Full Rehearsal (Christmas Collection)
6:30-7:10 Sectionals
7:10-7:20 Snack and Water Break
7:20-7:45 Full Rehearsal (Sphere of Fire)

5 more rehearsals before our first concert on December 6th!

Practice Tips:
> Find a quiet place to practice. Be sure to have good posture. Place your music stand at eye level. Have a pencil and mark your music as needed.
> Warm-up slowly and carefully. Your embouchure is critical for good tone. Warming up correctly will keep the muscles in your embouchure flexible.
> Practice the assigned material. Be careful that you are using correct pulse, rhythm, notes, articulation, dynamics, phrasing, and style. Isolate problem sections and practice those areas slowly.
> Several shorter sessions of practice are more productive than 1 long one!!

Looking forward to seeing you next Tuesday!

-Mr. Yearick

Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO)