Last edited: 06/20/2008

The Symphonette Orchestra

Membership Fee:  $330

Conducted by: Dr. Walter Temme

Symphonette is a full symphonic orchestra composed of over 100 junior and senior high musicians whose auditions show musicality and advanced technical skills.  Providing a concentrated learning and performing experience for aspiring young musicians, Symphonette performs increasingly challenging classical repertoire throughout the year.  Members of the Symphonette Orchestra are exposed to the best of classical music to foster a professional attitude.  Individual progress is expected and recognized through chair auditions and Principal solos.  Professional musicians are brought in periodically to coach sectionals.  Symphonette has performed throughout the state, including the SW Youth Orchestra Festival at NAU in Flagstaff, the AMEA convention and in California, Germany, England, China, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Walter Temme received a doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University in 1989.  His doctoral dissertation reflects his emphasis on conducting and his commitment to rehearsal style.  Dr. Walter TemmeHe performed in and assisted with the A.S.U. Symphony.  He was on the faculty of Humbolt State University (California) and Wartburg College (Iowa).  Known for violin performance, Dr. Temme also performed as a violist at Kansas State and was Principal Violist of the Topeka Symphony.

Symphonette Orchestra Conductor since 1988, Dr. Temme has been instrumental in the remarkable development of the PYS Symphonette Orchestra, recognized as one of the most exciting youth orchestras in the area, largely because of his emphasis on musicality.  Dr. Temme is credited with revitalizing the orchestral programs in the Scottsdale Schools and is currently Performing Arts Chairman and Director of Orchestras at Mountain View High School in Mesa.  Twice he has been cited in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  He has served as an officer of the Arizona Unit of ASTA and has held leadership positions with ABODA.

In demand as an orchestral conductor, adjudicator and clinician, he has conducted the Arizona Junior High All-State Orchestra, the Greater Phoenix Honor Orchestra and the Regional Honor Orchestras.  He has received the O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Education award from the AMEA.  In December 2001 his Mountain View Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the Mid-Western International Band and Orchestra Clinic.  In January 2003 he was named one of the 50 Directors Who Make a Difference by Band and Orchestra Magazine.  As an educator and performer, Dr. Temme believes in an interactive learning and performing experience to develop the young musician.