By Joe Cotten, PSO Board | June 11, 2021
Prescott Symphony Orchestra Executive Director, Joseph Place, announced today the formation of the Prescott Youth Symphony with the objectives of supplementing the educational opportunities provided by the county’s school districts and to establish a mechanism for feeding new talent into the orchestra’s various ensembles. He emphasized that, although the goal of the program is to build a full symphony orchestra, initial efforts will concentrate exclusively on string instruments.
The program will be offered to students in fifth through eighth grades from any of the public and private schools in the county as well as home schooled students. Rehearsal sessions will be held after school hours at Glassford Hill Middle School in Prescott Valley starting about two weeks after the opening of the fall session and following the school calendar for the remainder of the term. Beth Denman, Principal at the school, had this to say about the program . . .
Musical instruction will be provided by experienced coaches from the Pops Symphony working with small groups arranged by instrument and by level of experience. Special arrangements written by these coaches will allow even the most inexperienced players to participate in ensemble performances. Maestro Place pointed out that this program provides an excellent opportunity for students with wind or percussion experience to learn a string instrument as a possible window to opportunities with other bands.
Much of the cost of the program is being underwritten by the Prescott Symphony Orchestra, including the cost of coaches and music. A small tuition fee will be charged, however, Maestro Place stressed that participation in the program would not be limited due to financial issues. Tuition scholarships and instrument loans will be available as needed. Group rates for instrument rental will also be available.
Parents of eligible students are being asked to visit the website, PrescottSymphony.com,and the page for Prescott Youth Symphony to find an on-line form to indicate interest in the program and to provide some preliminary information about the student. An e-mail address will allow us to keep you updated on the latest plans.
According to Maestro Place, the importance of music to a child’s well rounded education cannot be overstated. For this reason the Prescott Symphony Orchestra is committed to provide the best possible experience for area youth over time, by building the beginning string group into a full blown symphony orchestra. We are actively seeking community partners whose substantial contributions are needed to make this program a success. Interested business and individuals may call the Prescott Symphony Orchestra at (928) 220-7446 to discuss specific opportunities.