An Intergenerational Community Orchestra

The Foothills Phil was established to provide an orchestral experience for students and adult community members. It is an innovative orchestra that promotes understanding between the generations and between the schools and the community. The Foothills Phil has become a place for musicians to share their love of music. 

The Foothills Phil was established in January 1993 and performed for the first time in May of that year at Esperero Canyon Middle School. Today, the orchestra performs in the Catalina Foothills High School auditorium, which has a seating capacity for more than 500 people. 

Musicians of all ages are encouraged to become members of this intergenerational orchestra. Our current orchestra's ages range from 12 - 80+. If you are interested in performing, please contact Holly Crawford at
209-8313, hcrawford@cfsd16.org.  

There are two sessions, one beginning in late August  and concluding with a concert in December, and the second begins late January and concludes with a concert in May. “Rehearsals” are generally on Thursday evenings, 6:45 – 9:00 pm at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. . There is a $35 fee for participation in the orchestra. You can register online or mail a Foothills Phil Registration Form
to CFSD Community Schools,
attn.: Holly Crawford, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, Az 85718. 

The 2010 Spring session begins January 21 and concludes with a concert on May 9. Registration is from November 5 through January 28.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, László Veres, received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Arizona and his Masters in Music from the University of Oregon. He is widely recognized as an educator, conductor and performer. Mr. Veres held the position of principal clarinetist with the Tucson Symphony for sixteen years. He also founded the Philharmonia Orchestra of Tucson and was its Music Director/Conductor.

Mr. Veres served as a music teacher for over 30 years. He is currently the conductor of the Tucson Pops Orchestra. Under his direction, the Arizona Symphonic Winds has become an outstanding performing ensemble by bringing concerts to audiences throughout Southern Arizona. 

He has received the Excellence-In-Teaching Music Award from the Arizona Music Educators Association, Excellence in Performance and Teaching from the University of Arizona School of Music, and the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.