Phoenix Symphony Guild

The Phoenix Symphony Guild is a youth orchestral training program located in Phoenix, Arizona that consists of four orchestras and an ensemble. These five groups include Percussion Ensemble, String Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Symphonette Orchestra, and Youth Orchestra.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Phoenix Symphony Guild is to develop educational, cultural and orchestral training programs to enhance musical ability and technical skills in young instrumentalists and to encourage the appreciation of classical music in the community. These objectives are met through the study and performance of symphonic literature by those involved in the Guild’s “stair-step” instrumental ensembles, through Master Classes taught by professional musicians, through weekend retreats and intensives, through competition/scholarship opportunities, through Music Memory’s program designed to promote within the schools the study and appreciation of classical music and through performance tours and reciprocal exchange programs with other student ensembles.

A primary goal of the Phoenix Symphony Guild Orchestral Training Program is to stimulate talented young instrumentalists and challenge them to refine their musical talents by working together to create a total ensemble, without regard to individual differences in other areas. All policies, activities, rehearsals and performances are carefully planned to reflect this philosophy and help enrich each member musically and culturally.

History and Development of PSG Youth Division

When the Phoenix Symphony Guild was organized in 1947, its dual purpose was helping to form a community orchestra called “The Phoenix Symphony” and raising funds to support that orchestra. The Youth Orchestra was founded in 1952 primarily to train young musicians for The Phoenix Symphony. As the numbers of students auditioning increased, the Guild decided to form a second youth orchestra in 1955, the Symphonette Orchestra. The PSG Youth Orchestra accepted musicians primarily of high school age; the new Symphonette Orchestra trained young musicians primarily of junior high level. Various other PSG-sponsored ensembles were short-lived at that time, but Junior Strings, added in 1966 was retained through the 1991-92 season giving beginning string players an opportunity to participate and learn basic orchestral skills.

When the Phoenix Symphony became a major orchestra in the early 1980’s, the Phoenix Symphony Guild separated from The Phoenix Symphony to support the Youth Division, particularly the youth orchestras, the Music Memory Program, and the Young Musicians’ Competition. By the end of the 1991-1992 season, both the Symphonette Orchestra and Youth Orchestra had evolved into full symphonic, performing orchestras with approximately 100 members each. Answering the need for more advanced preparation of strings for Symphonette and Youth Orchestra, in September 1992, Junior Strings evolved into the String Orchestra, no longer admitting beginners. The Symphonic Winds was added to further woodwind, brass and percussion students’ solo and ensemble orchestral skills.

ocial Interaction in PSG

The Phoenix Symphony Guild is also a great place to meet new people and make new friends. Every Wednesday, when rehearsals are held, members are given a short break period in which to socialize, and are also allowed to chat quietly while other sections are working with the conductor. Being in an orchestra separate from one's school might sound like just more time spent on things other than homework (which we know can be precious), but many members say that they have made some of their best friends at PSG.