>>Auditions for the 24-25 Season will be video only (contact david.kiser@gcyo.net for accessibility concerns)
>>Deadline to submit this form with the unlisted YouTube link is May 18, 2024
>>GCYO students who are staying in their current GCYO ensemble do not need to audition, but they will need to register for 24-25 by June 1st: https://gcyo.jumbula.com/
Thanks for your interest in Greenville County Youth Orchestras. GCYO has been educating young musicians in the greater Greenville area for more than 50 years. In the 2025 season the Young Artist Orchestra will take a historic trip to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts. We are also growing our ensembles. The Prelude ensemble will now function as a year long program with a performance at the Peace Center at the end of the year. GCYO is a partner with the Greenville County School District (GCS). The district provides GCYO meaningful financial support and rehearsal space. To help coordinate with our brass and woodwind students in the district who take part in Band, students who are accepted into our ensembles will be eased into our schedule to allow participation in both their school programs and GCYO rehearsals. Bradley Wingate is the GCS Director of Visual and Performing Arts for the district. GCYO also partners with the Greenville Symphony for the annual Shoulder-to-Shoulder concert. Their professional players play alongside the students in Philharmonic and YAO. GCYO Ensembles rehearse at League Academy, Sevier Middle and the Fine Arts Center. The Fine Arts Center under the direction of Vee Popat is the official home of GCYO. Each year GCYO Performs at the Peace Center and other performance locations across the Upstate. Additionally every conductor is assisted by at least one coach in each rehearsal. Philharmonic and Young Artist Orchestra has coaching sessions each month with professional musicians in small groups (Sectionals).
2024-2025 Annual Tuition:
Young Artist Orchestra: $300
The Philharmonic: $275
Sinfonia: $175
Intermezzo: $150
Prelude: $125
Rehearsal Schedule
GCYO ensembles rehearse on Mondays following the Greenville County Schools Calendar Holidays
Prelude: 5:30 – 6:45 Fine Arts Center - Winds Room
Intermezzo: 5:00 – 6:30 League Academy
Sinfonia: 4:45 – 6:15 Sevier Middle
Philharmonic: 4:45 – 6:15 Fine Arts Center- Recital Hall
Young Artist Orchestra: 6:30 – 9:00 Fine Arts Center- Recital Hall
2024-2025 Concert Schedule: (Subject to change*)
October 18-19, 2024, Fall Concert, First Presbyterian Church, Greenville (All Ensembles)
February 15-18, 2025, YAO's Performance at the Historic Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D. C.
March 7-8, 2025, Shoulder to Shoulder Concert, Gunter Theatre (Philharmonic and YAO)
May 5-6, 2025, Spring Orchestras Concert, Peace Center (All Ensembles)
*YAO Chamber Orchestra and Intermezzo-Sinfonia Winter Concert to be Scheduled
FAQ:
Common Questions and Answers
What age does my child have to be to audition for GCYO?
GCYO is for any K-12 student. Students can audition for any ensemble if they meet the playing requirements. Typically the grade range for our ensembles is as follows: Prelude (4-6), Intermezzo (5-8), Sinfonia (7-10), Philharmonic (9-11), YAO (10-12)
Does my student graduate on to the next ensemble at the end of each year?
No, a student must audition each year if they would like to play in a higher ensemble
Does my student have to audition each year for the same ensemble?
No, once accepted into the ensemble, your child does not have to re-audition.
Can my student “skip” ensembles, say jump from Sinfonia to YAO?
Yes, students may audition for any ensemble.
What if my instrument is not listed in the audition materials?
Reach out to the conductor of the ensemble you are interested in auditioning for.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, visit the scholarship page on our website gcyo.net
More questions:
Q: What happens if I don't get accepted into the ensemble I auditioned for?
A: Good question! The audition judges will make a recommendation to the next best ensemble.
Q: I don't see Wind Symphony as an option anymore. If I play a wind or brass instrument which ensemble should I audition for?
A: Students should audition for The Philharmonic or The Young Artist Orchestra
Q: I play percussion, what orchestra do I audition for?
A: Audition for either The Philharmonic or Young Artist Orchestra
Q: What if I audition and don't make it?
A: If you auditioned for YAO (for example) and did not make it, you will stay in the orchestra you are currently in. If you are new to GCYO you will be recommended to the appropriate ensemble.
Q: Can I also play in my school band.
A: Yes, during band season, those students enrolled in band may come to the second half of their rehearsals. Note that complete tuition will still be due and students are responsible for making sure they have enough practice time.
Questions not answered above? Email david.kiser@gcyo.net
Video Submission Instructions
Record an unedited/uninterrupted video of the audition materials in the order they are listed (the exception is Percussion auditions)
Cell phone is fine
Player/instrument must be in clear view.
Upload to YouTube as an unlisted link. Submit your link in the application
In the video title include student's full name, ensemble auditioning for and instrument
Audition Requirements by Ensemble:
Application fee:
$25
Deadline:
May 18, 2024
Notice of Acceptance:
Early June 2024
Staff:
David Kiser, Executive Director, david.kiser@gcyo.net
Marie Pearce, Administrative Assistant, marie@gcyo.net
Dr. Pyeongkang Park, Philharmonic and YAO Conductor, pk@gcyo.net
Charis Burger, Sinfonia Conductor, cburger@greenville.k12.sc.us
Elizabeth Conrad, Intermezzo Co-Conductor, econrad@greenville.k12.sc.us
Patrick Murch, Intermezzo Co-Conductor, pmurch@greenville.k12.sc.us
Catherine Crowe, Prelude Co-Conductor, catherinehcrowe@gmail.com
Kathleen Robinson, Prelude Co-Conductor,
Jeff Purcell, Sinfonia Coach
Katelynn Lowe, Prelude Coach
Seth Russell, YAO Cello Coach
Braxton Ballew, YAO Bass Coach
Matthew Lipinsko, YAO Viola Coach
Jackie Tso, YAO Violin Coach
Catherine Crowe, YAO Violin Coach
Lauren Vaughn, YAO Woodwinds Coach
Ways to connect with us:
