Youth Orchestra
About
Our Program
Our Mission
To provide students with a high-quality music education that instills an emotional connection with and lifelong passion for music, fosters a diverse community of musicians, and offers outstanding symphonic performance opportunities for students to share their musical gifts with the community.
Our Vision
Inspiring, challenging, connecting and celebrating diverse performers, audiences and communities through live music.
Our Values
Instill life-long values of responsibility, accountability, teamwork, problem solving, creativity and cultural appreciation in students from all economic and social backgrounds.
Develop the next generation of professionals and community leaders through achieving excellence in the study and performance of symphonic music.
Support music education in South Carolina through collaboration with local music educators, school music programs and arts organizations.
Strengthen the foundation of our community by enriching the quality of life and adding to the vibrancy of our diverse culture.
Becoming a Member
Membership in the SCPYO is open to students throughout the state ages eight through high school, on an auditioned basis.
To become a member you must:
- Have at least some playing experience
- Complete an audition each season
- Pay all fees and membership dues*
If accepted, the SCPYO is a full-year commitment (September-April). Students who drop mid-cycle without notifying or without legitimate cause may not be eligible to rejoin.
FAQs
When does the SCPYO rehearse?
How long are rehearsals?
Prelude, Concert and Symphonic orchestra rehearsals are 90 minutes.
Youth Philharmonic rehearsals are 2 hours.
How long is the SCPYO season?
How many concerts are there in a SCPYO season?
The SCPYO holds 3 concerts per year for all of our ensembles. Performances dates can be found here.
Am I eligible to participate?
Membership is open to all musicians ages 8 through high school with at least some playing experience on an auditioned basis.
Is participation in my school's band or orchestra program required?
The SCPYO recognizes the importance of school music programs in their communities. We highly recommend and strongly encourage our members to be active participants in those programs.
The SCPYO and the schools share a common goal of educating student musicians. 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.
How much does it cost to participate?
Tuition rates are a one-time payment for the whole year. Need-based tuition assistance is available by application for those auditioning.
| Ensemble | Tuition |
| Prelude Orchestra | $300 |
| Concert Orchestra | $300 |
| Symphonic Orchestra | $375 |
| Youth Philharmonic | $375 |
* Tuition and fees are non-refundable.
Does the SCPYO offer tuition assistance?
Yes! We never want participation fees to come between a student and their ability to participate.
The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to making our education programs accessible to all students and families.
Through tuition assistance we offer:
- Waiver of audition fees
- Payment plans
- Reduced or free tuition
When are auditions held?
Auditions are held every year in May for new and returning students.
Materials for the upcoming season will be posted in March. Audition registration will open on March 1st, 2024.