In the Spring of 1982, a group of interested parents and music educators from the East Valley area began exploring the potential for developing a youth orchestra. Their goal was to provide a challenging program of excellence in orchestral music for young school musicians through the ninth grade. The first Metropolitan Youth Symphony season was launched that same year as more than 150 youngsters participated in the September auditions. The gala premiere concert, November 10, 1982, featured two string orchestras and one full symphony orchestra.

  The growth of Metropolitan Youth Symphony has been impressive. Currently in our 28th season, the 300+ members of MYS, under the direction of Wayne Roederer-Musical Director, Lew Felton-Associate Musical Director and Division II Conductor, Karalee Hagen-Division I Conductor, Amy Bennett-Division III Conductor, and Sandra Alston-Division IV Conductor, are divided into three string orchestras and one full symphonic orchestra. Members attend weekly rehearsals and perform in at least four formal concerts each season. Over the years MYS has grown to four 70-85 piece orchestras plus a fiddler's group, and has developed into a widely recognized group of excellent musicians from the Phoenix metropolitan area. MYS provides a unique and special orchestral experience for youth seldom found at any school level, and MYS groups are of rare and uncommon quality these days.

  Over the years MYS orchestras have been invited to perform in a variety of locations including Phoenix Symphony Hall, the Mesa Amphitheater, Fiesta Mall, Disneyland and multiple performances in Washington, D.C. On June 13, 1993, members of Division I, our full symphony orchestra, received the honor of performing at New York City's famed Carnegie Hall.

  MYS orchestras now perform in the new Mesa Arts Center, a $94.5 million facility. In addition to orchestra performances, MYS sponsors wind sectionals, a recital series, Division I weekend retreat in Prescott, a scholarship competition, and the MYS Fiddlers.

To educate young instrumental musicians through the 9th grade in the art of orchestral performance through the use of the world's finest orchestral music to develop character, discipline, leadership, cultural awareness, and a strong commitment to excellence; thus, enabling MYS to contribute to the East Valley's rich cultural heritage and create a higher level of appreciation for the performing arts.