type="image/x-ico" /> PYS - Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras

Last edited: 06/20/2008

The Symphonic Winds

Membership Fee:  $375

Conducted by: Nathan Johnstion

Symphonic Winds, primarily junior and senior high woodwind, brass and percussion students, helps members develop solo and ensemble skills and tone quality necessary for advanced symphonic band or orchestra.  Limited enrollment allows for more individualized training, as well as performance opportunities.  Chair auditions, judged by professional instrumentalists, recognize individual progress.  Prior performances include Patriots Park in Phoenix, Disneyland, a spring concert tour to San Francisco and the Heritage Festival in British Columbia.  Season plans include sectionals and a weekend retreat.  They have opened for the Phoenix Symphony Pops Concert, sponsored by the West Valley Arts Council, since 2005.  Symphonic Winds will conclude the 2009-2010 season with a concert tour in Montreal. 

Although entering his third season as the Symphonic Winds conductor, Nathan Johnston has been associated with the Phoenix Youth Symphony since 1992. As a student, clinician, and now conductor, Mr. Johnston believes in, and is an example of, the depth of experiences students receive as members of the PYS.

Mr. Johnston is currently the Director of Bands at McClintock High School in the Tempe Union High School District. His program regularly receives recognition for its comprehensive approach to student education while maintaining a high level of group achievement. Additionally, as the Assistant Director of Bands at Mesa Community College, Mr. Johnston continues to contribute to the expansion of the MCC Instrumental Music program.

After completing his B.M. degree at Arizona State University, Mr. Johnston spent two years completing his M.Ed. degree at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant there, he served as an instructor, conductor, and a guest clinician on behalf of the university.

During his tenure with the Symphonic Winds, Mr. Johnston hopes to instill the value of the musical experience within the individual student and share in the development of opportunities that the orchestral training program can provide young musicians.