Phoenix Symphony Guild

Over sixty years ago our civic leaders had a dream of a professional orchestra in the Valley, and planted a seed.  When the Phoenix Symphony Guild was organized in 1947, its dual purpose was helping to form a community orchestra, the “Phoenix Symphony Orchestra,” and raising funds to support that orchestra.  The PSG Youth Orchestra was established in 1952. We are so very proud of the young musicians who have played in the PSG Youth Orchestra through its 50+ years, and note that many have continued their study of music, becoming professional musicians; i.e. music educators, private music teachers, orchestra members, conductors, and soloists.

In 1955, three years after the Youth Orchestra was established, it was evident that another orchestra must be formed because so many students were auditioning for Youth Orchestra.  The second group was called the Symphonette Orchestra.  In the years since that time the String Orchestra and the Symphonic Winds were added as feeder groups to the Symphonette and Youth Orchestras.  Thus, we now have a well-established stair-step program to offer to our young musicians throughout the Phoenix area.  In January 2007, the Guild voted to conduct its operations as The Phoenix Youth Symphony (PYS) to better represent the purposes, marketing and fundraising capabilities of the Phoenix Symphony Guild.