PMAZ was founded in October 2003 when 17 people met to start a community chorus. The group grew to 35 singers before the first performance was given on the patio steps of Anthem Golf and Country Club's Persimmon Club House in December of that year. A group of 6 volunteers formed the Board of Directors in January of that year. Application was made to the State of Arizona and the Internal Revenue Service for non-profit corporation status in February 2004. A letter of determination was received in May 2004. Bylaws were officially adopted by the membership in March 2004. Shortly thereafter, the first organizational meetings for a community orchestra were held. Within a year the choir had grown to over 50 voices and the orchestra had grown to about 35 musicians. From the beginning the organization was run by and for volunteers who gave thousands of hours of their time annually to rehearse, perform and manage PMAZ operations.
Throughout its short history, PMAZ has been unique in the population it serves and has helped to build community in an area where residents seem to have little in common save proximity. In terms of geography, the organization serves the Phoenix North Valley which includes the communities of Anthem, New River, Desert Hills, Black Canyon City, and Tramanto, with most participation coming from the Anthem area. Musician members, however, come from as far away as Flagstaff and Surprise. Internally, the organization meets members' needs to participate in professional quality performance, to continue to develop their musical education and skills, and to enjoy a sense of community through the musical experience they share. Externally, the organization provides music in people's lives, fosters a sense of community, provides entertainment on a local level for the whole family, and encourages music appreciation through experiencing the formal concert setting.
PMAZ has been blessed from its inception with sound artistic direction, enthusiastic volunteers, community support, excellent fiscal management, and good public relations. It has developed a unique concert program that features both orchestral and choral music. In fact, PMAZ is one of only 8 community music programs in the country that include both a choir and an orchestra. Our concerts are very accessible to local audiences because PMAZ is community-based and offers a strong product for a reasonable price. We have become a recognized and cherished arts organization in the Phoenix North Valley.
