The Pasadena Symphony Association is pleased to announce the expansion of the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras. The PYSO will expand its programming threefold — the organization will launch a summer intensive program for beginner/ intermediate students in grades 5-8, the All City Orchestra will add one new site at McKinley School for 4th and 5th grade students, and PYSO will provide musical instruments on loan to Pasadena Unified students. “We’re so thrilled to be able to expand our youth orchestra programs into more elementary schools and to launch our inaugural summer music camp so students can have year-round access to music education,” said Lora Unger, CEO, adding “and we’re investing more than $30,000 into PUSD to build a music instrument library so kids can have their own instrument while on their musical learning journey.” The PYSO expansion will kick-off with the 2023/24 school year by adding McKinley School as the third site for the All City Orchestra, a no-cost ensemble for underserved PUSD students in grades 3-5, currently housed at Jackson and Field elementary schools. ACO will also increase staffing for weekly rehearsals, adding one conductor and four coaches per instrument. Also beginning in the fall, PYSO will provide instruments on loan to PUSD students who would not otherwise have access to them, and will purchase a stage timpani for Pasadena High School. In summer 2024, PYSO will launch its new summer intensive — a two-week, daily program providing instruction for beginner/intermediate students in grades 5-8. This expanded programming will allow the PYSO to continue their commitment to providing music education far beyond the weekly instruction they offer students. This expansion is made possible by generous support from the Helen and Will Webster Foundation.
ABOUT THE PASADENA YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS
As a centerpiece of the Pasadena Symphony Association’s education initiatives, PYSO has offered robust musical training and personal development for young musicians throughout the San Gabriel Valley since 1972. Now in its 52nd season, PYSO is considered among the finest youth orchestras in the country and is the centerpiece of the Pasadena Symphony Association’s education program. The PYSO serves students from 29 cities throughout Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley, 17 school districts and 84 schools in both weekly afterschool ensemble rehearsals and supplemental in-class instruction within the Pasadena Unified School District. Since its inception, the PYSO has toured internationally to perform in some of the world’s greatest concert halls. PYSO fosters dedication, excellence, fellowship and passion in the development of those who are not only outstanding young musicians, but also outstanding young individuals. PYSO’s ensembles include All City Orchestra, Prelude Strings, Prelude Winds, Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, Symphony, Sinfonia and Philharmonic.
