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

Last edited: 06/20/2008

The Symphonic Winds

Membership Fee:  $340

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. Symphonic Winds will conclude the 2008-2009 season with a concert tour. 

Nathan Johnston has been a musician for nearly 20 years and is proud to be the Symphonic Winds conductor for the PhoenixYouth SNathan Johnstonymphony organization. Previously, Mr. Johnston was a student within the Guild, working from SymphonicWinds during its initial years, and later performing with the Youth Orchestra.

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.

Mr. Johnston is the Director of Bands at McClintock High School in the Tempe Union High School District and an Assistant Director of Bands at Mesa Community College. He continues to work actively as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator around the valley. 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 Guild can provide young musicians.