ENSEMBLES 2017

Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble

Established in 2007, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble (PSYWE) is one of three performing ensembles comprising the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles, one of the largest pre-professional musical training programs in the United States. PSYWE is a unique performing ensemble well-regarded as one of the few premier youth wind symphonies in the country. Under the baton of accomplished band educator Music Director Gregory X. Whitmore, PSYWE exposes musicians and audiences to the rich, diverse and colorful canon of wind ensemble repertoire. PSYWE provides pre-professional musical training to woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists in grades 8 through 12, and the opportunity to explore challenging repertoire in a nurturing, creative environment. The ensemble experience provides members with high-quality and innovative artistic experiences through a three-concert series at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Each season, students enjoy an interaction with Pacific Symphony Music Director St.Clair, regular coaching sessions with Pacific Symphony professional musicians and collaborations with world-renowned guest artists such as saxophonist Kenneth Tse, composer Narong Prangcharoen and conductor Allan McMurray. The opportunity for PSYWE to work with the music professionals of today and to learn a repertory of diverse styles creates a unique environment for musicians that is conducive to creativity and well-rounded musicianship.

Gregory X. Whitmore

Conductor

Gregory X. Whitmore is Music Director of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra Youth Wind Ensemble, as well as Director of Bands at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California. These appointments follow a thirteen year career as Director of Bands at Cathedral City High School in the Palm Springs Unified School District, and a career as Conductor of the College of the Desert Symphony Band in Palm Desert, California. Dr. Whitmore, a native of Ypsilanti, Michigan, received his Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education from The University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While a student at The University of Michigan, Dr. Whitmore actively performed in the University of Michigan Concert and Symphony Bands and led the University of Michigan Marching Band as “Michigan’s Man Up Front” - Drum Major - from 1999 to 2001. Dr. Whitmore received his Master's Degree in Music with an emphasis in Wind Conducting from California State University Fullerton studying under Dr. Mitchell Fennell. Dr. Whitmore received his Doctor of Education with an emphasis in College Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York.
Dr. Whitmore has conducted ensembles in such notable concert venues as Symphony Hall (Chicago), The Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.), Carnegie Hall (New York City), Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles), Meng Hall (Fullerton, California), Holy Trinity Church (Stratford, England), St. John’s Smith Square (London, England), Chateau Vaux le Vicomte (Paris, France), and Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberg, Germany).
Dr. Whitmore belongs to several professional organizations that include College Band Directors National Association, Phoenix Honorary Leadership Society, Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society, The National Association for Music Education, Southern California School Band And Orchestra Association, and California Music Educators Association. Dr. Whitmore is a contributor to the 2013 GIA Publication Musicianship: Composing in Band and Orchestra.
A recognized member of four editions of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Dr. Whitmore has been included in the 2005/2006 Edition of the National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers. Dr. Whitmore is a Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce Golden Apple Educator Award Recipient, and Orion Award Recipient for Excellence in Education. Dr. Whitmore was selected to represent the State of California by School Band and Orchestra Magazine in the 2008 edition of “50 Band Directors Who Make a Difference”.

SCL Artistic Program

Competition Program

Additional Concerts Program