now is your 
chance to take
the stage

View and download the 2021-22 GCYO Handbook here HANDBOOK

Our new handbook has all the details you need regarding attendance policies, what to do if you will be absent, fees, scholarships, drop off and pick up procedures, etc..  Be sure and fill out and turn in the forms found at the back of the handbook.

2022 Spring Rehearsal locations and times, all on Monday

• Prelude:  5:00 – 6:15 League Academy
• Intermezzo:  5:00 – 6:30 Wade Hampton High School
• Sinfonia:  4:45 – 6:30 Wade Hampton High School
• Philharmonic:  4:45 – 6:15  Fine Arts Center
• Wind Symphony: 4:45 – 6:30 Wade Hampton High School
• YAO: 6:30 – 9:00 Fine Arts Center

2021-22 Fees:

All fees are payable by cash, check or PayPal.  Online transactions may incur an additional service charge or fee.  You may also pay in installments.

FALL Semester Fees:

Young Artist Orchestra and Philharmonic Fee(s): $125

Sinfonia and Intermezzo Fee(s): $50

Prelude Fee(s) for new members: $50

SPRING Semester Fees:

Young Artist Orchestra and Philharmonic Fee(s): $125

All other ensemble fees: $50

 Covid-19 Response

Because GCYO is the after school orchestras program, we must follow Covid protocols set by the school district. At this time, there are no specific guidelines and we are planning on resuming normal rehearsals. We will not be requiring masks or social distancing.

We are, however,  concerned for the safety and health of our students and staff so please note the following:

• We encourage musicians to wear a mask if they feel comfortable doing so, especially if they have not been vaccinated.
• Informa us ASAP Should a musician or immediate family  be diagnosed with covid.
• Students diagnosed with covid or who have an immediate family will be asked to not attend rehearsal for 10 days from diagnosis.

Auditions for all 2022-23 ensembles (except Prelude) will take place June 4 and 5. View the audition requirements for the orchestra you are interested by clicking on the links below.

Young Artist Orchestra (YAO) –

Our most advanced ensemble, most members are high school aged, though exceptional middle school musicians may be admitted. YAO performs standard orchestral masterworks as well as contemporary compositions.

View YAO Audition Requirements »

The Philharmonic –

An advanced symphony orchestra comprised of middle through high school aged musicians who display considerable talent, training and ability. Repertoire consists of orchestral masterworks, transcriptions and original works composed for student orchestra.

View The Philharmonic Audition Requirements »

Sinfonia –

Sinfonia is an advancing honors strings ensemble with the opportunity to perform Full Orchestra repertoire during the second concert cycle. Members of the Sinfonia Orchestra will experience opportunities to excel in their string performance skills through progressive string literature, including original works and arrangements, ranging from early baroque to new releases from the modern era. Consistent, instrument-specific sectionals with professional string educators, provide supplemental instruction for accelerated skill attainment. Students may audition for the Sinfonia Orchestra in late May or August.

View Sinfonia Audition Requirements »

Wind Symphony –

The GCYO Wind Symphony is an exciting, honors performance group featuring wind instrument players and percussionists with 1-4 years of playing experience. Under the direction of  Mr. Kevin Styles, you will be performing exciting literature geared towards the developing wind band. Additionally, members of the Wind Symphony will have the opportunity to combine with the GCYO Sinfonia strings group in the Spring to perform full orchestra literature for the Finale Concert at the Peace Center. Participating in this ensemble is a fantastic opportunity to perform with other talented musicians outside of school, make new friends, and improve on your instrument!

View Wind Symphony Audition Requirements »

Intermezzo –

The Intermezzo ensemble is an intermediate, honor string orchestra that is designed to accelerate the second and third year string musician to the next level of orchestral performance. Members of the Intermezzo Orchestra will focus on advancing techniques such as shifting, mature tone and bow stroke development as well as finger patterns for key signatures up to three sharps or flats through contrasting concert repertoire from the baroque to modern eras. Additionally, students will experience consistent sectionals with professional musicians to enhance rehearsal and individual performance techniques. Students may audition for the Intermezzo Orchestra in late May or August.

View Intermezzo Requirements »

Prelude –

Prelude Orchestra is an introductory honor strings-only ensemble that is specifically designed for progressing first and second year string students who want to elevate their fundamental performance skills to the next level. Members of the Prelude Orchestra will explore a variety of orchestral literature that promotes the development of characteristic tone, music literacy, ensemble skills, and performance confidence. Students will audition for the Prelude Orchestra in early January.

View Prelude Requirements »

Due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic for our 2020-21 season, we have not scheduled solo auditions .   You are welcome to submit an application which we will keep on hold.  We will update you as we know more about our season.

General Qualifications for a Solo Position Include:

• Mastery of the solo work performed
• Appropriateness of the work as GCYO or Philharmonic repertoire
• Experience and musical maturity of candidate

Young Artist Orchestra Soloists

• Students must perform an entire movement of their intended work in the audition, and must be accompanied by piano.
• Soloists with YAO perform complete works.
• Competing students must submit a score and a recording of the chosen work (or links to online recording and score) and attain initial repertoire approval in advance of the audition (due with application February 6).
• Up to 3 qualified soloists may be chosen to perform with the Young Artist Orchestra. Up to one soloist will be chosen to perform a multi-movement concerto. Up to two other soloists will be invited to perform shorter selections (12 minutes or less).
• Soloists may be asked to perform a different solo from the one performed at their audition.
• In the event that a soloist is asked to perform an alternate selection, repertoire will be chosen in a joint effort by YAO music director, student soloist, and the student’s teacher.
• Music selection must be approved to be appropriate for the orchestra, the concert program, and the instrumentation of the current ensemble.
• GCYO is under no obligation to fill each potential solo position with a YAO student every year.

Philharmonic Soloists

• Soloists with the Philharmonic perform single movements or single movement works.
• Students must perform an entire movement of their intended work in the audition, and must be accompanied by piano.
• Competing students must submit a score and a recording of the chosen work (or links to online recording and score) and attain tentative repertoire approval by the Director in advance of the audition.
• Up to 2 qualified soloists may be chosen to perform with the Philharmonic.
• GCYO is under no obligation to fill each potential solo position every year.

Additional Information

• Competing students are required to submit audition repertoire for initial approval with their applications.
• The awarding of a solo position is made based upon: (1) Written and numerical evaluations of the judges hearing the audition and (2) Director’s judgement concerning the appropriateness of the work with respect to programming and education.
• In the case where a soloist’s work is not educationally appropriate for an orchestra to perform, that musician and the Director may discuss alternative works.
• A soloist family may be asked to assist (or to help locate a sponsor) if the work to be performed is only available by rental.

Download Application Form

Please fill out our Absence Request Form for any and all absences, late arrivals or early dismissals.

Raising Musicians: Financial Aid Scholarships

All students should have the opportunity to excel musically! The GCYO Board of Directors has established a scholarship fund to assist families with the high cost of raising a musician. Financial aid awards are made for private lessons, GCYO tuition fees, and summer music programs. Award is based on financial need, the student’s participation in GCYO, and a teacher recommendation.

GCYO Fee Assistance:

Application must be completed by September 15 and/or February 1
To apply for GCYO fee assistance go to Request for GCYO Fee Assistance

Financial Aid for Private Lessons:

This scholarship program is designed to ASSIST parents with the high cost of private lessons. Applicants must apply by September 30th and/or January 30th. Funds will be sent to the teacher or institution providing lessons.

To apply for financial assistance for private lessons go to Private Lesson Assistance

Financial Aid for Summer Studies:

Summer music camps and programs are an important part of a musicians advanced studies. They are also expensive! Application for summer studies assistance must be submitted by May 15th. These funds may also be used to cover private lessons over the summer. Funds will be sent directly to the camp or teacher.

To apply for financial assistance for a summer program go to Request for Summer Studies Scholarship

Scholarship Auditions

The GCYO Association offers two merit-based scholarship opportunities for our musicians. Auditions this year will be by submitted recordings. To be eligible to audition you must be in good standing with the orchestra you are currently in, have adhered to the attendance policy of GCYO, and have submitted your application by the publicized date. Unless you are applying for a Senior Scholarship you MUST be returning to GCYO in the fall!

Summer Studies Scholarships:

Summer Studies Scholarships are to be used for summer music programs or private lessons. This is open to all members of GCYO that are in good standing and are returning next year. There will be 1 – 2 scholarships awarded for each orchestra, amount to be determined by GCYO Board.

How to apply: Fill out and submit the application below by 5/11/2022. Applications submitted after the cutoff date will not be accepted.

Senior Scholarship:

Graduating seniors who will be pursuing a music degree in college may apply for the Senior Scholarship. There will be one scholarship awarded, amount to be determined by GCYO Board.

How to apply:  Fill out and submit the application below by 5/11/2022. Applications submitted after the cutoff date will not be accepted!

Audition requirements and procedures

• Prepare a brief (no more than 5 minute) selection of solo repertoire.  Be sure to select a solo that demonstrates your highest level of musicianship and technique.
• Make a video recording of your solo (cell phone recording are perfect).  Be sure your recording shows you AND your instrument.
• Upload your video to google docs, YouTube, or other cloud storage and send the link to holly.caprell@gcyo.net
• OR
• upload directly  HERE   (you must have a google account to use this link)
• Recordings must be received by 05/11/2022

Scholarship Application