SPYO: Stronger Everyday
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, now entering its third season, is feeling stronger than ever. After overcoming countless obstacles during last year’s intense COVID-19 season, SPYO is ready to conquer. Whether we rehearse masked, socially distant, or even outdoors, the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra musicians are determined to perform their best.
SPYO continues to push to new boundaries by challenging the students with advanced repertoire that enhances their technique and encourages cooperation. Young musicians from the greater Spartanburg area are well-aware of the benefits of being a member of our youth orchestra. Auditions were held in May of 2021 through video submissions, and we had a record number of auditions. After several hours of review, the Senior Youth Orchestra selected a 72-member full orchestra, and the Junior Youth Orchestra selected a 45-member string orchestra.
Music was selected and student folders were stuffed ready for our Pop-in, Popsicle, Pick-Up scheduled on August 1, 2021. This was a chance for students and their families to meet the conductors and other members of the orchestra. It’s a casual summer moment for SPYO, but we love it because it gives all involved a chance to experience the friendly and supportive learning environment that SPYO offers. Our Pop-In, Popsicle, Pick-Up is a lot of fun, and it launches the orchestras into their season as the individual practice begins.
We have selected programs that are both memorable and challenging. For the Senior Youth Orchestra, the ensemble will be opening with Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco Overture, followed by an arrangement of The Old Boatman by Florence Price, and concluding with Antonin Dvorak’s New World Symphony, mvt. 4. These pieces will keep the Senior orchestra practicing and improving their technique and musicianship, all while emersed in beautiful music.
For the Junior Youth Orchestra, musical selections include Kathryn Griesinger’s Wildfire, Brian Balmages’s Lullaby to the Moon, Chris Campbell’s Speaking Alien, Mark Williams’s North Country Legend, and Michael Allen’s arrangement of Revenge of the Double Bass. These pieces are fun for the younger musicians and challenge them to continue building their musicianship.
Last season we enjoyed featuring some of our young musicians in the Concerto Competition. The preparation and performance of the competition winners from last season was an amazing journey. We are offering the competition this season again to Senior Youth Orchestra. The auditions will be judged by Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra members and will take place on October 30, 2021. The winner(s) will perform with the Senior Youth Orchestra in the February and April concerts.
There are plenty of other opportunities for all of the young musicians to perform with SPYO as a large group, and as chamber ensembles. We use small ensembles as an opportunity for the students to gain independence and confidence when performing. Whether it is our full orchestra concerts or chamber ensembles online, look for SPYO in the community. These students are stellar and they need your support!
