About Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble
Established in 2007, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble (PSYWE) made its debut under the baton of award winning music educator Dr. Michael J. Corrigan, later succeeded by Dr. Joshua Roach of the USC Thornton School of Music. In 2014, PSYWE welcomed its current music director Dr. Gregory Xavier Whitmore. Under Dr. Whitmore’s visionary leadership, PSYWE has continued to develop into a nationally celebrated youth wind ensemble and has undertaken numerous commissions, world premieres, and the continued exploration of new music initiatives.
Under the creative leadership of Alexander Shelley, Pacific Symphony’s Artistic and Music Director Designate, PSYWE continues to build upon the rich legacy established by Music Director Laureate Carl St.Clair. Together, their vision reflects a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of artists and audiences.
Representing over 25 schools in the Southern California region, PSYWE provides members with an advanced and innovative artistic environment and encourages musical and personal growth through the study and performance of outstanding symphonic wind band literature. PSYWE serves exceptional young instrumentalists in grades 9-12 and is one of four youth ensembles offered by Pacific Symphony’s Youth Ensembles program.
PSYWE members benefit from the mentorship of Maestros Shelley and St.Clair, receive regular coaching from Pacific Symphony musicians and guest artists, perform at the magnificent Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, CA, and enjoy periodic touring opportunities.
In 2016-17, PSYWE celebrated its 10th anniversary with a tour to Austria’s Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, where PSYWE took first prize in its category, performing in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, the MuTh Concert Hall, and Vienna’s legendary Konzerthaus. In 2025, PSYWE toured Costa Rica, collaborating with the National Institute of Music, working and performing with regional professional bands, and culminating in an enthusiastically received sold-out concert at the historic Teatro Nacional in the capital city of San José.
Membership in the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles program is determined through annual auditions held each spring, drawing more than 700 applicants each year. Graduates of the program go on to study at leading institutions including Juilliard, Johns Hopkins University/Peabody Institute, UCLA, University of Michigan, Stanford, USC, Brown, Vanderbilt, Yale, and many more.