Welcome to the musician’s page!

Here you’ll find the links to the roster and seating assignments pages.
You’ll also find other important information such as the
MYS Handbook and Frequently Asked Questions.

Looking for an instrument? Click here
Will everyone who auditions be accepted?
No. We do not have pre-determined numbers for string instruments. Our numbers are determined, to a large extent, by the space available and instrumentation.

How and when will I be notified about the results of the auditions?
Everyone who auditions will receive a letter in the mail sometime next week. We will do our best to have all the letters mailed by Tuesday, August 25th and have the results posted on our website that afternoon as well. **Even though all letters are mailed at the same time, it is not unusual for members of the same family to receive their letters on different days** If you have not received your letter by August 30th, please call the MYS office at (480)456-9501 or send an email to azmys@qwestoffice.net.
If you are accepted as a member of Metropolitan Youth Symphony, your letter will tell you which division you are in, your rehearsal time and rehearsal location. Information concerning chair seating or the section you are in (first or second violin) is not included in the letter and will NOT be released until the first rehearsal.

Is Division I the highest or lowest level?
MYS has four different orchestra levels. Division I is the most advanced and is our only full symphony orchestra. Divisions II, III and IV are string orchestras. Placement in each orchestra is determined strictly by the auditions. Having four levels allows us to perform music that is geared to a variety of playing levels.

Why do we ask for your email address?
In an effort to save money and resources, we send out very few paper notices. We send the majority of updates/information via email. It is very important that you provide us with a valid email address that you will check regularly. Most updates will also be posted on the MYS website. We strongly suggest that you check your email and the website each week before rehearsal for any last-minute changes. Also, don’t forget to add MYS to your “safe” list.

How do I purchase concert tickets?
Concert tickets can be purchased ONLY through the Mesa Arts Center @ 1 East Main St in downtown Mesa. All tickets are $5. The box office phone: (480)644-6500 and website: MesaArtsCenter.com. We do recommend you purchase your tickets in person to avoid additional handling fees. **Tickets will be available for sale starting the week following auditions** Parents are allowed to video tape all of our performances as long as it is not disruptive to those sitting around you. However, tri-pods, etc are NOT allowed at the Mesa Arts Center per Fire Marshall regulations.

Parent Orientation Meeting:
There will be a parent orientation meeting on Monday, September 14th at 7pm in the Dobson High orchestra room. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to meet our staff and new MYS Board of Directors, and to learn more about the organization. We will go over the information in the handbook and answer any questions you might have. We strongly advise all new AND returning parents to attend.

When and where are rehearsals?
Most rehearsals will be held Thursdays at Dobson High School (the same place as the fall auditions). However due to scheduling conflicts, some rehearsals may be held elsewhere and on different days. A complete calendar of events will be given out at the first rehearsal. Also, look for regular emails from us and check our website often. Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 3rd at Dobson High. You will receive an information sheet with your acceptance letter detailing the procedures to follow for the first rehearsal. At rehearsal you will receive your folder of music, an MYS member contract and a handbook with a detailed schedule of rehearsals and concerts, as well as very important information about the MYS attendance policy, activities, concert dress, etc.
**Parents: check your child’s folder after the first rehearsal. The member contract needs to be filled out, signed and returned ASAP**

What about the MYS Fiddlers?
If you are accepted into Division I or II, you are eligible for the Fiddlers. There will be an informational meeting on the day of our first rehearsal (Thursday, September 3rd) at
4:30pm (at Dobson High). All interested members AND their parents should plan to attend.

What about volunteering?
MYS is very dependent on (and very appreciative of) our parent volunteers. There is a section on the member contract (which your child will receive at the first rehearsal) that will explain the different volunteer opportunities available within MYS. Please take a moment to look this over and indicate where you can assist us.
Frequently Asked Questions