Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra
The Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra has continually offered robust musical training and personal development for young musicians throughout the San Gabriel Valley for over 40 years (1972). 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.
Showing posts with label Symphony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Symphony. Show all posts
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Northwoods Resort and Conference Center
Well, last night Mr. Taylor informed the musicians they would
be set up in Chamber groups and they all received a new piece of music. Here are photos of their first
rehearsal. By the end of the today, each
group will perform their music pieces to each other. They sound great already!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator | Spring Break
PYSO – Symphony, String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble will be on Spring Break – April 2 - 6, 2012. *** NO REHEARSAL. ***
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
The 2012-2013 application for the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra is now live! If you or someone you know is looking for a life-changing musical experience, just click here to fill out an online application for an audition.
PYSO offers:
• Three outstanding ensembles: Symphony, String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
• Exceptional Artistic Leadership
• Professional Musicians as sectional coaches
• Opportunities for students to play for guest conductors of the Pasadena Symphony.
• Visits to Pasadena Symphony rehearsals
• Reduced ticket prices to Pasadena Symphony and POPS concerts
• Recent tour destinations include California, Colorado, Austria, and Czech Republic
• Additional performance opportunities outside of PYSO season. Past performances in¬clude sidelining for Fox’s Glee, LA Opera youth orchestra, chamber music at special events, and solo recitals.
• Exceptional Artistic Leadership
• Professional Musicians as sectional coaches
• Opportunities for students to play for guest conductors of the Pasadena Symphony.
• Visits to Pasadena Symphony rehearsals
• Reduced ticket prices to Pasadena Symphony and POPS concerts
• Recent tour destinations include California, Colorado, Austria, and Czech Republic
• Additional performance opportunities outside of PYSO season. Past performances in¬clude sidelining for Fox’s Glee, LA Opera youth orchestra, chamber music at special events, and solo recitals.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
PYSO Reminder:
There will be NO Rehearsal on February 14, 2012 for Symphony, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. (All Three PYSO Groups)
Enjoy the day off and Happy Valentine’s Day!
The next rehearsal will be on February 21, 2012 at your regular times.
There will be NO Rehearsal on February 14, 2012 for Symphony, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. (All Three PYSO Groups)
Enjoy the day off and Happy Valentine’s Day!
The next rehearsal will be on February 21, 2012 at your regular times.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Musical Circus
January 22, 2012
Featuring: Richard Bernard and Friends
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210-1555
1:00 pm-2:30 pm
The Pasadena Symphony Association’s Musical Circus is a perennial favorite for children 3-8 years of age. The popular family program, which reaches some 5,000 children and their families yearly from around Southern California, is at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, California.
The Circus begins with the instrument “petting zoo” where youngsters can toot flutes, blow trumpets, pluck violins and cellos and bang on percussion instruments.
The Musical Circus is free, so bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun music making!
January 22, 2012
Featuring: Richard Bernard and Friends
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210-1555
1:00 pm-2:30 pm
The Pasadena Symphony Association’s Musical Circus is a perennial favorite for children 3-8 years of age. The popular family program, which reaches some 5,000 children and their families yearly from around Southern California, is at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, California.
The Circus begins with the instrument “petting zoo” where youngsters can toot flutes, blow trumpets, pluck violins and cellos and bang on percussion instruments.
The Musical Circus is free, so bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun music making!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Hello PYSO Family Members,
Welcome Back and Happy New Year!
“What the New Year brings to us will greatly depend on what we bring in to the new year. Let’s all start anew with lots of positivity, motivation and great music. A great 2012 to all of us! Cheers!”
Our 1st rehearsal is next Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at your regular time.
Welcome Back and Happy New Year!
“What the New Year brings to us will greatly depend on what we bring in to the new year. Let’s all start anew with lots of positivity, motivation and great music. A great 2012 to all of us! Cheers!”
Our 1st rehearsal is next Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at your regular time.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Dear PYSO Family Members,
Thank you for great Winter Concert and have a Wonderful PYSO Winter Break! (No rehearsal until January 10th 2012)
We hope you and your family have a cheerful holiday season and may the New Year be prosperous. As we welcome another year, may it come with a spirit to fulfill all the desires and with a determination to achieve the goal of our life.
Thank you for great Winter Concert and have a Wonderful PYSO Winter Break! (No rehearsal until January 10th 2012)
We hope you and your family have a cheerful holiday season and may the New Year be prosperous. As we welcome another year, may it come with a spirit to fulfill all the desires and with a determination to achieve the goal of our life.
Our first rehearsal for 2012 is on January 10th at your regular time.
Please go to your regular rehearsal location. There will be NO Sectionals for this rehearsal.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Pre-bidding is now live for our Silent Auction fund raiser for the Pasadena Youth Symphony. Please see the link for items and rules for participation. live bidding will take place on Tuesday, December 6 at 5:30pm at Pasadena High School’s auditorium.
http://www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org/pyso-silent-auction/
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Notes from Mr. Taylor (Symphony)
PYSO members-
Mr. Taylor mentioned that fundraising is more important than it seems, so everyone should go out there and make an effort at contributing to the tour expenses! The musician in you all deserve to go to Europe, and it would be wonderful if your efforts lighten the load upon your parents, Mr. Taylor, chaperones, and all the people who give up so much to help all of you.
Another important thing to remember is that if you learn to be an excellent symphonic musician by listening and playing together, even the top orchestras will be impressed.
Try something new every rehearsal: one day you might focus on listening to your standpartner, the next week you can try to listen to the person farthest away from you; the possibilities are endless!
(It's more fun that way too because you won't be mentally "stuck" in your own section)
Good work and keep practicing!
Mr. Taylor mentioned that fundraising is more important than it seems, so everyone should go out there and make an effort at contributing to the tour expenses! The musician in you all deserve to go to Europe, and it would be wonderful if your efforts lighten the load upon your parents, Mr. Taylor, chaperones, and all the people who give up so much to help all of you.
Another important thing to remember is that if you learn to be an excellent symphonic musician by listening and playing together, even the top orchestras will be impressed.
Try something new every rehearsal: one day you might focus on listening to your standpartner, the next week you can try to listen to the person farthest away from you; the possibilities are endless!
(It's more fun that way too because you won't be mentally "stuck" in your own section)
Good work and keep practicing!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Notes from Mr. Taylor (Symphony)
Wasn’t it great to have Maestra Mei-Ann Chen conduct the orchestra? More importantly though, did you learn something that will help the orchestra sound better?
Here are more than a few tips to improve musicianmanship in general:
- Rainbow notes: Placement and control of the bow and air can drastically change the color of your tone
- Dance with the music!
- Use your ear to find “perfect” intonation. Also, being flat is psychologically less pleasant than being sharp, so aim higher!
- Think about what your dream is because if you don’t aim for anything, you won’t go anywhere.
- It’s much more entertaining (to the self and also to the audience!) if you imagine a story/picture fitting a piece of music and then express your images through your instrument. There’s no point in just hitting all the notes, the important part is to make the notes mean something.
Before reading on, grab a pencil and your music… go on, I’ll wait
NUTCRACKER
Articulate the melody, especially the 8th notes (think of Chinese stir-fry)
Mark something so that your accents really crunch!
Put a heart (or whatever else that will work) around those poor little orphan notes, and those tend to be 8th notes in a passage of longer note to remind yourself to give them some love <3
(for strings) use the power section (lower half) combined with the strength of the bridge for the melody and other robust sections
Ping-pong ball = last note: shoot it across the sky and make it jump! (mark that in)
STILL NACHT
Boo! Don’t scare the conductor… be ready!
Put some life and passion into the music, pretty please?
S t r e t c h the boundaries of your sound; draw a rubber band or something next to each dynamic to remind yourself
Problem: notes are not changing together Solution: COUNT!! (problem solved, right? Now just apply that to real life :)
8th note=72 metronome speed.
Here are more than a few tips to improve musicianmanship in general:
- Rainbow notes: Placement and control of the bow and air can drastically change the color of your tone
- Dance with the music!
- Use your ear to find “perfect” intonation. Also, being flat is psychologically less pleasant than being sharp, so aim higher!
- Think about what your dream is because if you don’t aim for anything, you won’t go anywhere.
- It’s much more entertaining (to the self and also to the audience!) if you imagine a story/picture fitting a piece of music and then express your images through your instrument. There’s no point in just hitting all the notes, the important part is to make the notes mean something.
Before reading on, grab a pencil and your music… go on, I’ll wait
NUTCRACKER
Articulate the melody, especially the 8th notes (think of Chinese stir-fry)
Mark something so that your accents really crunch!
Put a heart (or whatever else that will work) around those poor little orphan notes, and those tend to be 8th notes in a passage of longer note to remind yourself to give them some love <3
(for strings) use the power section (lower half) combined with the strength of the bridge for the melody and other robust sections
Ping-pong ball = last note: shoot it across the sky and make it jump! (mark that in)
STILL NACHT
Boo! Don’t scare the conductor… be ready!
Put some life and passion into the music, pretty please?
S t r e t c h the boundaries of your sound; draw a rubber band or something next to each dynamic to remind yourself
Problem: notes are not changing together Solution: COUNT!! (problem solved, right? Now just apply that to real life :)
8th note=72 metronome speed.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Notes from Mr. Taylor (Symphony)
Symphony Blog:
10-11-2011
Mother Ginger:
• Medium length pick-up; “brush stroke”
• Fix that page turn!
• Even 1/8th note
• Find the melody and support it.
• Violins and Cellos; forte means have a full sound, not bury the orchestra
Bach Fugue:
• Can’t look like you are working too hard
Still Nacht:
• Winds need to learn their part watch your Bowing
• COUNT!!
Finale:
• Don’t rush-double bows
• Intonation-higher positions
• Know if you’re in 2 or 1
10-11-2011
Mother Ginger:
• Medium length pick-up; “brush stroke”
• Fix that page turn!
• Even 1/8th note
• Find the melody and support it.
• Violins and Cellos; forte means have a full sound, not bury the orchestra
Bach Fugue:
• Can’t look like you are working too hard
Still Nacht:
• Winds need to learn their part watch your Bowing
• COUNT!!
Finale:
• Don’t rush-double bows
• Intonation-higher positions
• Know if you’re in 2 or 1
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Notes from Mr. Taylor (Symphony)
Great first rehearsal!
I hope all of you are happy to be back and looking forward to our first performance.
Please try to find recordings of both Stille Nacht by Manheim Steamroller and Mother Ginger from the Nutcracker. It is important that we begin to understand the style of the pieces played.
Also, if you are wearing red next week you will be rewarded at break time.
See you next week.
I hope all of you are happy to be back and looking forward to our first performance.
Please try to find recordings of both Stille Nacht by Manheim Steamroller and Mother Ginger from the Nutcracker. It is important that we begin to understand the style of the pieces played.
Also, if you are wearing red next week you will be rewarded at break time.
See you next week.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Greetings PYSO Musicians and Families! - Welcome Back!
Musicians and Parents - 5:15 p.m. Meeting in PHS Auditorium.
Musicians and Parents - 5:15 p.m. Meeting in PHS Auditorium.
Pasadena High School
2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Symphony, String Orchestra & Wind Ensemble Rehearsal after the Meeting
This is just a friendly reminder:
What to bring to rehearsal:
1. Your instrument.
2. Folding music stand (all groups)
3. Pencil with an eraser.
4. Any other equipment for your instrument such as extra strings, rockstops, reeds, mutes, percussion mallets, rosin, valve oil, etc.
- Do not rely on your stand partner to bring the above items for you. If your stand partner is absent or arrives late, you must be prepared!
Also, if you have not returned your PYSO forms, included in your packet, please do so after the Musicians & Parent Meeting.
If you have already turned in you payment and forms, please disregard this message
Parents:
Parents:
Please look inside the musicians’ music folder when they get home. There is additional important paper work which needs your attention and there is a letter that will need to be signed by their School Music Director and returned as soon as possible.
Any musician not at the first rehearsal can pick it up the music folder in person at the next rehearsal.
Sincerely,
Greg Fuentes PYSO Coordinator
Any musician not at the first rehearsal can pick it up the music folder in person at the next rehearsal.
Sincerely,
Greg Fuentes PYSO Coordinator
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Hey PYSO Families!
Want to have a great meal and help earn money for PYSO? Check this out:
For ONE DAY ONLY, Panda Express Restaurant group has generously partnered with PYSO to help us fundraise. On TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH, simply print out and bring the attached flier to one of two Panda Express Locations and enjoy a quick bite for lunch, dinner or after rehearsal snack and Panda Express will donate 20% of your bill to PYSO!
The two participating locations are:
Panda Express
218 S. Lake Ave.
Pasadena CA. 91001
(626) 799-7710
Panda Express inside Pavillions
745 W. Naomi Ave, Acadia
(626) 626-821-9407
Please pass these fliers along to any friends or family who might be interested. If you know someone who works near one of the location, ask them to pass it out to their co-workers. You can also print a few extra and keep them in your car to hand out to friends as you go about your day. While we cannot solicit diners at the restaurant, we can pass these fliers along to as many people as we like. This fundraiser costs us nothing and can help us keep PYSO expenses down. There are currently over 150 families in PYSO. If everyone goes to Panda Express on SEPTEMBER 27 and spends just $35, that’s over a $1,000 to help PYSO. Every little bit helps as we plan what is sure to be one of the most exciting years PYSO has ever seen!
Additional fliers will be available at the first rehearsal
Have a great last week off and we will see you next Tuesday!
Want to have a great meal and help earn money for PYSO? Check this out:
For ONE DAY ONLY, Panda Express Restaurant group has generously partnered with PYSO to help us fundraise. On TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH, simply print out and bring the attached flier to one of two Panda Express Locations and enjoy a quick bite for lunch, dinner or after rehearsal snack and Panda Express will donate 20% of your bill to PYSO!
The two participating locations are:
Panda Express
218 S. Lake Ave.
Pasadena CA. 91001
(626) 799-7710
Panda Express inside Pavillions
745 W. Naomi Ave, Acadia
(626) 626-821-9407
Please pass these fliers along to any friends or family who might be interested. If you know someone who works near one of the location, ask them to pass it out to their co-workers. You can also print a few extra and keep them in your car to hand out to friends as you go about your day. While we cannot solicit diners at the restaurant, we can pass these fliers along to as many people as we like. This fundraiser costs us nothing and can help us keep PYSO expenses down. There are currently over 150 families in PYSO. If everyone goes to Panda Express on SEPTEMBER 27 and spends just $35, that’s over a $1,000 to help PYSO. Every little bit helps as we plan what is sure to be one of the most exciting years PYSO has ever seen!
Additional fliers will be available at the first rehearsal
Have a great last week off and we will see you next Tuesday!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
The PYSO Parent Fundraising Committee is off to a strong start. This summer, we have worked with them in establishing a path for fundraising and sponsorship for PYSO for the 2011-2012 season and beyond. Some major highlights include:
- October 28, 2011, An Evening with Mei Ann Chen, a special event/fundraiser held with our guest conductor, Mei Ann Chen. The committee has secured in-kind catering and rentals. Please mark your calendars and let us know if there are any potential sponsors with a Youth/Education focus that you would like us to invite.
- December 6, 2011, PYSO Winter Concert and Silent Auction. For the first time, the PYSO will be hosting a Silent Auction in conjunction with its annual Winter Concert. We have already secured many items for auction, but will continue to collect until the week before the event. Some samples of items donated have included vacation spots in Hawaii and Italy, jewelry, “Lessons from the Masters”-a series of intense instruction and coaching from area violin and cello teachers, special tours and food items.
- Other, smaller fundraisers for PYSO include a “Panda Express Dinner Night” (bring a flier in, PYSO gets 20% of your bill) a Play-a-thon, Goodwill Donation truck ($1500) per truck we fill, no costs or obligations, and “Tickets for Tuition” where PYSO members sell Symphony concert tickets at full price and receive a small percentage of the sale. We are also actively seeking sponsorships.
Plans for the PYSO Symphony tour to Austria as well as the companion tour continue to develop. Additional information about the companion tour will become available soon. If you haven’t sent an email of interest yet, there’s still time!
- October 28, 2011, An Evening with Mei Ann Chen, a special event/fundraiser held with our guest conductor, Mei Ann Chen. The committee has secured in-kind catering and rentals. Please mark your calendars and let us know if there are any potential sponsors with a Youth/Education focus that you would like us to invite.
- December 6, 2011, PYSO Winter Concert and Silent Auction. For the first time, the PYSO will be hosting a Silent Auction in conjunction with its annual Winter Concert. We have already secured many items for auction, but will continue to collect until the week before the event. Some samples of items donated have included vacation spots in Hawaii and Italy, jewelry, “Lessons from the Masters”-a series of intense instruction and coaching from area violin and cello teachers, special tours and food items.
- Other, smaller fundraisers for PYSO include a “Panda Express Dinner Night” (bring a flier in, PYSO gets 20% of your bill) a Play-a-thon, Goodwill Donation truck ($1500) per truck we fill, no costs or obligations, and “Tickets for Tuition” where PYSO members sell Symphony concert tickets at full price and receive a small percentage of the sale. We are also actively seeking sponsorships.
Plans for the PYSO Symphony tour to Austria as well as the companion tour continue to develop. Additional information about the companion tour will become available soon. If you haven’t sent an email of interest yet, there’s still time!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Music Under the Stars
September 24, 2011 7:30 pm
at Pasadena City Hall-Centennial Square
Pasadena POPS
Larry Blank, Conductor
Pasadena Symphony and POPS
Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Larry Blank, Conductor
Build another enduring memory with your family and friends as we gather in the majestic setting of Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall for an unforgettable celebration everyone will love – the Pasadena Symphony and POPS annual FREE gift of music to the community. This year’s MUSIC UNDER THE STARS will celebrate great American musical icons with brilliant vocalists LISA VROMAN, CHRISTINA ASHFORD, NORMAN LARGE, THE DONALD BRINEGAR SINGERS, and the musicians of the Pasadena Symphony and POPS .
September 24, 2011 7:30 pm
at Pasadena City Hall-Centennial Square
Pasadena POPS
Larry Blank, Conductor
Pasadena Symphony and POPS
Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Larry Blank, Conductor
Build another enduring memory with your family and friends as we gather in the majestic setting of Centennial Square at Pasadena City Hall for an unforgettable celebration everyone will love – the Pasadena Symphony and POPS annual FREE gift of music to the community. This year’s MUSIC UNDER THE STARS will celebrate great American musical icons with brilliant vocalists LISA VROMAN, CHRISTINA ASHFORD, NORMAN LARGE, THE DONALD BRINEGAR SINGERS, and the musicians of the Pasadena Symphony and POPS .
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Marvin Does Movies
Pasadena POPS
August 27, 2011 7:30 pm at Lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl
Pasadena POPS
Marvin Hamlisch, Principal Pops Conductor
Programming will include:
Salute to Gene Kelly, Gigi, An American in Paris, Schindler’s List, The Informant!
Order tickets by Phone:
You may call between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. Phone: 626.793.7172
Pasadena POPS
August 27, 2011 7:30 pm at Lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl
Pasadena POPS
Marvin Hamlisch, Principal Pops Conductor
Programming will include:
Salute to Gene Kelly, Gigi, An American in Paris, Schindler’s List, The Informant!
Order tickets by Phone:
You may call between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. Phone: 626.793.7172
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
Marvin Does Broadway
August 6, 2011 7:30 pm
at Lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl
Pasadena POPS
Marvin Hamlisch, Principal Pops Conductor
Programming will include: Les Misérables, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, The Producers, Company
Cady Huffman, Vocalist
Anne Runolfsson, Vocalist
Gary Mauer, Vocalist
Order tickets by Phone:
You may call between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. Phone: 626.793.7172
August 6, 2011 7:30 pm
at Lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl
Pasadena POPS
Marvin Hamlisch, Principal Pops Conductor
Programming will include: Les Misérables, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, The Producers, Company
Cady Huffman, Vocalist
Anne Runolfsson, Vocalist
Gary Mauer, Vocalist
Order tickets by Phone:
You may call between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. Phone: 626.793.7172
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Greg Fuentes | PYSO Coordinator
PYSO - The Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra
~Solo Recital~ 
Congratulations on a Great Solo Performance!
Matthew Lin (Symphony – Flute); Sarah Biagini (Symphony – Violin); Benjamin Gray (Symphony – Cello); Tomoko Oguri (String Orchestra – Violin); Harry Wilde Greer (Symphony – Cello); Rikki Choi (String Orchestra – Cello); Daniel Hsiao (Symphony – Viola)
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Pasadena Symphony Association
The mission of The Pasadena Symphony Association is to provide orchestral performances of the highest quality and to benefit the community through its music, outreach, and education programs. (Click on Picture for Link)