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About the Pacific Symphony Wind Ensemble (PSYWE)

The Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble (PSYWE) program serves the community by providing performance opportunities to young wind and percussion instrumentalists between the ages of 12 and 21 from throughout Orange County. All members are required to participate in their school music programs. One of the three Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles, the Youth Wind Ensemble is a primary education programs of the Pacific Symphony, and it's designed to provide students the opportunity to delve further into the limitless realm of musical expression. This program enhances the musical growth and personal development of the advanced student instrumentalist, and our goal is to provide the foundation for a life-long passion for the enjoyment of music in its multitude of genres. It is led by Music Director Joshua Roach, (a very well-established and respected music educator,) and also benefits from the artistic vision of Pacific Symphony Music Director Carl St.Clair, who acts as the artistic advisor for all activities. The PSYWE performs in the internationally acclaimed Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, CA, as well as in select venues throughout Orange County.

Weekly Sunday afternoon rehearsals are held in the Music Department of Saddleback Community College, Mission Viejo, CA. Representing over 26 different schools from all across Orange County, the Youth Wind Ensemble consists of 60 students who are selected through annual auditions held in the late spring.

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Highlights

The Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble provides an opportunity for exceptionally talented young wind and percussion instrumentalists between the ages of 12 and 21 to enhance their music education. The PSYWE is unique in its relationship with a major professional orchestra and its premier concert hall, the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

The 2009-2010 season will see the Youth Wind Ensemble performing original compositions from the winners of the Wind Ensemble Composer's Competition in the prestigious Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Members of the Youth Wind Ensemble benefit from coaching sessions with professional musicians of the Pacific Symphony, as well as guest conductors including H. Robert Reynolds, the Principal Conductor of the Wind Ensemble at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California and former Henry F. Thurnau Professor of Music, Director of University Bands and Director of the Division of Instrumental Studies from the School of Music of the University of Michigan.

Under the music direction of Joshua Roach, as well as the artistic guidance of the Pacific Symphony's renowned Music Director, Carl St.Clair, the PSYWE has quickly become recognized as being at the forefront of the Wind Ensemble development in our country. The opportunities provided to students encompass a variety of elements:

• In-depth study of challenging Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony repertoire
• Coaching by Pacific Symphony musicians
• Exposure to nationally recognized soloists and conductors
• Workshops and master classes
• Direction by an experienced conductor and educator
• Chamber ensemble training and performance opportunities
• Ticket vouchers to Pacific Symphony concerts
• Access to Pacific Symphony rehearsals

History

The PSYWE was launched in 2007 with the support of Mr. Larry Woody and the Woody Youth Fund. It became one of three Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles, which include the PSYO and the Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings. Additionally, Michael J. Corrigan, accomplished educator and recipient of the “Band Educator of the Year” from the California Music Educators Association, was hired as music director. Auditions were held in the Fall of 2007, and early winter of 2008. Rehearsals began in February 2008 at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA. The Youth Wind Ensemble's first performance was on May 18, 2008 with the PSYO and PS Santiago Strings at the world-renowned Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, CA.

In July 2008, Maree Corrigan was hired as the first PSYWE manager. In January 2010, Josh Roach, of the Thornton School of Music, was hired as the current PSYWE music director. His high-quality direction and enthusiasm will continue the level of success that this wonderful ensemble has enjoyed. The future of the Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble is bright and promises to bring a stronger connection with the community as it becomes one of the premier youth ensembles in Southern California.

Staff