Welcome
Welcome new players!! You will find our culture to be both challenging and nurturing. As a community ensemble, you might be sitting between a young up-and-comer and a seasoned master.
We do not hold formal auditions, but rather schedule informal meetings with the Director, and occasionally, the section leader, to chat, and hear a tiny bit of music. Placement in the sections is based upon the overall sound of the ensemble, not "challenges" or auditions each term.
Upcoming Repertoire
PSO 2026-2027 CONCERT SEASON
Celebrating Human emotions
October 25
Totentanz with Dr. Michael Munson, piano
It is Autumn, and there are shadowy forces at play! We kick of our season by delving into the darker side of human emotion in three epic works. Featured pieces include Emilie Mayer’s Faust Overture, Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 4 in C minor and the deliciously malevolent Totentanz by Franz Liszt with Dr. Michael Munson, piano soloist.
Mayer Faust
Liszt Totentanz
Schubert 4
December 5 and 6
Join us for a celebration of the choreography of Dr. Molly Faulkner as we feature the exquisitely danceable music of Sergei Prokofiev in this delightful family-friendly program! March from the Love for the Three Oranges, Symphony No 1 (Classical), Lt. Kiji Suite and Peter and the Wolf!
3 Oranges March
Peter Wolf
Kiji suite
Classical Symphony
April 10
Spring has sprung, and the Palomar Symphony Orchestra is celebrating by featuring the newest crop of talented musicians. Our sprouting youth orchestra partner, Crescendo Youth Orchestra, directed by Shannon Yandall will kick things off, followed by Shostakovich’s energized Festive Overture, featured ripening Palomar music student performances and finish with Robert Schumann’s first orchestral fruits - Symphony No. 1 (Spring Symphony). Simply delicious!
Shostakovich Festive Overture
Student concerti 3-4
Schumann Spring Symphony
May 29
At the age of 20, Felix Mendelssohn embarked on a visit to Great Britain. As he walked through the Scottish countryside, taking in the history and the ruins of that fascinating landscape he heard in his mind the beginning of a noble and mournful introduction. The 3rd symphony was not finished until 13 years later and was the last symphony he finished (but was the 3rd to be published). Join us for our final concert as we explore the nature of inspiration and the mystery of musical creativity.
Mendelssohn 3
Georgia Phipps Wilson Piece TBA
Weller Lao Tzu or Bei Mir Bistu Sheyn TBA
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will begin promptly at 6:00 pm in Room D-6, so please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so that we are set up and ready to tune at 6:00 pm. Please plan to remain for the entire rehearsal, unless dismissed earlier. Sectionals for both strings and winds will be held during regular rehearsal times and are scheduled or TBA.
The bulk of what we do as musicians occurs during rehearsals. The quality of the collective musical experience is dependent upon individual effort and responsibility, both during and in between rehearsals. Please be prompt and have your parts prepared. If you are unable to attend a regular rehearsal, please contact your section leader ASAP and arrange for a sub.
Dress rehearsals will be held at the designated performance venue during the week of each concert or D6. Attendance at these rehearsals is mandatory. If you have a conflict with any of these rehearsals, please provide me with a written statement of the conflict date and reason ASAP.
Parking Info
Students may now purchase the student parking permit through their MyPalomar student account. Parking Services uses a contactless parking digital system for purchasing parking permits on all Palomar College campuses which allows for up to 5 vehicles to be “registered” to one student. The license plate number will act as the parking permit eliminating the need for a physical permit to be displayed in the vehicle. Students will no longer need to move a permit from one vehicle to another. However, students are only allowed to have one vehicle registered to them parked on campus at any time.
If you have any further questions, please contact Candy Santos (csantos@palomar.edu) or Shellsea Divine (sdivine@palomar.edu).
No one, except faculty, is allowed to park in the faculty lot in front of the “D” building (lot 1). If you choose not to purchase a parking permit you will be parking at your own risk and the PAD cannot assume any responsibilities.
Sprinter
NCTD SPRINTER/BREEZE: Cost $57.60 per month for Palomar students. Adult Regional monthly passes are sold for Palomar College students with valid I.D. and enrollment verification at the cashier windows (Administration Building) on the main campus. Many BREEZE bus routes serve Palomar College in both San Marcos and Escondido. The main campus in San Marcos conveniently has a SPRINTER station located just south of Mission Road.
Contact
If you are interested in playing with the PSO, please contact Dr. Weller with your name, contact information, instrument and experience. We will reach out to speak with you and set up an audition if applicable.
Dr Ellen Weller
Professor Of Music
Office: (760) 744-1150 ext 3949
email: eweller@palomar.edu
Box Office:
(760) 744-1150 ext 2453