Youth Orchestra
Founded in 1964, the Youth Orchestras are the only community based orchestra training organizations in the Midlands.
The South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestras provide a quality education in classical music through the performance of symphonic and chamber music to as many talented young musicians as possible from the Greater Columbia area and surrounding counties. This experience enables the young musicians to achieve their highest potential as both performers and patrons of the arts.
Membership in the Youth Orchestras is open to players of orchestral instruments from elementary school through high school ages. Only the player's musical ability and the practicality of his/her regular attendance at rehearsals limit participation.
All members of the Youth Orchestra must enroll in the appropriate instrumental music courses offered through their schools, if such instrumental music programs exist. Exceptions will be made for home-schooled students. Exceptions may be made for students who encounter class-scheduling conflicts between instrumental music courses and courses required for graduation from high school, if such conflicts would postpone the student's timely graduation from high school.
Open to all qualified school-age students throughout the state by competitive audition, the Youth Orchestras perform three concerts each year. After auditioning, students are placed in one of three orchestras: The Youth Orchestra, conducted by Jerry Gatch or the Repertory conducted by Maurice Hood or Junior Strings Orchestras conducted by Stacey Burnette.
The Youth Orchestras serve approximately 200 students and are operated by membership fees, sponsorship and support from the Philharmonic.
2008/2009 Concerts
All concerts are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts.
General admission tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students.
- Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
- Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009
- Sunday, May 3, 2009
Fall 2008 Audition Information
The South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestras will be having Fall auditions for new members on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the University of South Carolina School of Music.
Contact Youth Orchestras Manager Judy Lawrence (information at bottom of page) for audition requirements.
From Left to Right:
- Stacey Burnette
- Maurice Hood
- Judy Lawrence
- Jerry Gatch
For more information about the SCP Youth Orchestras, please contact Youth Orchestras Manager Judy Lawrence at 803.788.8442.