Our Experience Working with PCO
Our family’s experience with the Pasadena Community Orchestra was really lovely. They run a very well organized Young Artist competition, which my son participated in two years in a row and had the honor of winning this year. The conductor and other judges are very supportive during the competition itself, which is so important in developing young artists’ confidence. Even the year my son did not win, he received a personal email from the conductor with specific feedback about his audition. He looked forward to returning and was thrilled to win this year.
The entire PCO community was warmly welcoming from the beginning. My son and I felt immediately welcomed into their orchestra community. Max and Maestro Pflueger communicated frequently in the period of time between the audition and our first rehearsal, setting tempi and discussing the structure of the rehearsals. Max rehearsed with the orchestra three times, and on each occasion all of the musicians were warmly welcoming and supportive. The final performance this past weekend was a joy. He loved the entire process and is so proud of the work he did with the PCO.
From my perspective, along with watching my son being artistically supported and nourished, I was thrilled to learn that the concert was free. Not only did this make it accessible to so many different people from the local area, but it allowed many of Max’s school friends to come without any financial hardship. He was so excited that so many of his friends were able to come.
We have nothing but positive things to say about our experience with the PCO. We only wish he could play with them again!
Sincerely,
Amy Hammond
Mother of 2018 PCO Young Artist Competition Winner
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Playing with the PCO has been an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. It was the first time I’ve played a complete concerto with an orchestra, and Maestro Pflueger welcomed me with open arms. The players are dedicated, passionate, and kind; working with them helped to bring a piece I love to life.
Max Hammond
Young Artist Competition Winner
