Who
We Are
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra was founded in 2019 to bring together the best young players from across the Upstate as a core education program of the Spartanburg Philharmonic.
We provide a place where musically inclined students learn to master their instruments and collaborate with others to produce three high-quality performances each year.
Working with the SPYO challenges talented young musicians to grasp difficult repertoires and perform at a higher level than what is possible in their school orchestras.
Do you want to work in harmony with equally dedicated peers?
Are you ready to thrive under the guidance of dynamic conductors and professional musicians?
The SPYO is waiting for you. Learn more about how we can make beautiful music together.
FAQs
How does a student join one of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestras?
Membership is by audition only. Auditions are held each spring for the following season.
What are the age requirements?
Prelude is open to strings students in grades 6 through 9. Symphony is open to strings students in grades 8 through 12.
Do students have to be enrolled in their school orchestra/band program to participate?
We are committed to supporting music education in our schools. Participation in one of our Youth Orchestras is designed to enhance, not replace, school music instruction. School music programs provide the essential daily ensemble and rehearsal instruction required for serious musical progress. Musicians who enroll in one of the Youth Orchestras are expected to participate in their school orchestra/band, if one exists.
What are the costs?
There is a non-refundable $25 registration fee to audition. After students have been notified that they have been accepted into the orchestra, there is an additional tuition fee which can be paid in installments. If for any reason a student must leave the orchestra, the tuition will be not be refunded.
Prelude Tuition - $250
Symphony Tuition - $275
Is financial aid available?
Yes! We offer full and partial scholarships to ensure that financial resources are not a barrier to participation. Families that wish to pursue a scholarship will submit a form during the registration process prior to the first commitment payment. Scholarships can only be put towards tuition and cannot be used to cover the $25 audition fee.
If a school music requirement conflicts with an SPYO rehearsal, which takes precedence?
The school music requirement comes first. The complete schedule for the year will be given at the first rehearsal, so please notify us as soon as you are aware of a scheduling conflict: Hannah@SpartanburgPhilharmonic.org.
Does the audition determine both orchestra membership and seating within the orchestra?
For wind players, the first audition determines both orchestra and seating placement, though seating will be rotated by piece throughout the season.
For string players, the first audition determines membership and violin section assignment (i.e. first or second violin). Seating auditions are held approximately three weeks into the season and may be repeated after each concert. Auditions will include the music that the orchestra is rehearsing for the upcoming concert. (Example: For the seating audition in September, the conductor will choose various measures/excerpts from the fall repertoire.) Musical selections are announced a few weeks prior to the seating auditions to provide musicians ample practice time. Seating auditions will be held during normal rehearsal time.
When does the SPYO rehearse?
Symphony rehearses Sundays from 1:30-3:30 pm and Prelude rehearses Sundays from 4:00-5:30 pm.
When is the first rehearsal?
The first rehearsal is planned for August each year. A complete schedule for the entire year will be given at the first rehearsal. In case of changes, all members will be contacted via email prior to the rehearsal date.
Where does the orchestra rehearse?
The orchestra rehearses in Mayfarth Rehearsal Hall in Blackman Music Hall at Converse College.
When does the orchestra perform?
Our season runs from August to April each year.
Where does the orchestra perform?
The orchestra will perform at Twichell Auditorium, the mainstage of the Zimmerli Performance Center at Converse College.