The Pinellas Youth Symphony, our flagship orchestra, is comprised of advanced string, wind, and percussion musicians, many of whom are top student musicians from throughout Pinellas County. The musicians of this orchestra perform major orchestral selections in 5 concerts, including the Annual Wallace Gause Concert, Holiday, Spring and Finale Concerts. Plus there often is a Side-by-Side concert where the students share music stands with Florida Orchestra memmbers.
Seniors in this orchestra are invited to participate in the annual concerto competition. Dr. Susan Robinson, who has had extensive experience teaching and conducting student musicians (both nationally and internationally), is the Conductor for this orchestra. Members rehearse for two hours each week at Ruth Eckerd Hall. At various times throughout the season, they participate in sectional classes, coached by professional musicians from the area's professional orchestras. The Pinellas Youth Symphony performs in the area’s finest concert halls, including Murray Studio at Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Mahaffey Theater, the Palladium Theater, and the St. Petersburg College Music Center.
Founded in 2004 by Mr. Lei Liu, the Serenade Strings Orchestra is comprised of advanced string students from throughout Pinellas County and surrounding counties. The orchestra meets weekly for two hours to learn and perform music selected from the vast string repertoire. Florida Orchestra members Mr. Lei Liu and Dr. Victor Huls conduct this ensemble. The Serenade Strings perform five or six concerts during the year.
String players in this orchestra are members of The Pinellas Youth Symphony orchestra who are then invited to join the Serenade Strings, based on auditions and seat availability. There is no extra tuition charged for participation in this orchestra. The Serenad Strings orchestra rehearses on Sunday afternoons, from 4:30-6:30 pm, allowing students a short supper break before attending the PYS (orchestra) rehearsals from 2:00-4:00 pm. Each season, participants in the Serenade Strings have the unique opportunity to perform in concert solo pieces while accompanied by the Serenade Strings.
The Pinellas Youth Philharmonic is comprised of intermediate to advanced string students. The orchestra rehearses for two hours on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-6:30 under the direction of Mr. Sebastian Stefanovic. Professional musicians also provide sectionals at various times throughout the season. This orchestra presents at least two concerts each year.