Welcome to Greenville County Youth Orchestras

Our Mission

Our mission is to impact the lives of young people through music by providing a quality orchestral program that develops and educates young musicians in the art of performance and enhances their personal musicianship. We strive to make our programs available to all qualifying students by offering a robust scholarship program to assist families in need with orchestra fees, summer studies, and private lessons.

What we do

GCYO has 5 honors level ensembles, each geared to a specific stage of development of the young orchestral musician.  The program is designed such that a beginning level musician can start in the Orchestra Prep/Prelude ensemble and, with talent, dedication, and practice, end their high school music career in our most advanced ensemble, the Young Artist Orchestra. 

Our focus is education. Our conducting staff are gifted educators as well as performing musicians. Sectional rehearsals, led by area strings and wind educators, are an important part of the rehearsal process for all ensembles. Sectionals give our students instrument specific work on their orchestra’s repertoire and the skills needed to be successful in the performance.  In addition to sectional rehearsals, small group lessons are offered for musicians in our lower level orchestras. These lessons focus on skill development and offer an initial lesson option for our families. 

We encourage parents to seek out private lessons for their child. 

The GCYO Association 

The GCYO Association is a not-for-profit corporation that partners with the Greenville County Schools (GCS) in providing this after-school orchestra program. GCS provides conductor and coach salaries as well as rehearsal facilities. The Association, with an annual budget over $100,000, administers the program and provides funding for administrative staff, all concert expenses including venue rental, programs, music rental and coaching staff.  In addition, we budget a minimum of $10,000.00 each year for scholarship assistance for our students.

Parent Expectations 

Becoming a musician is a journey.  Young musicians need a team of family and professionals to get them on the road.  You can expect GCYO to do our part as we provide quality instruction and musical opportunities for your musician. We expect you to support your students as they participate in GCYO in the following ways.

1.  Support your musician in meeting the expectations we have set for them

2.  Support GCYO financially by paying the participation fee (see fee schedule and explanation below)

3.  Support GCYO financially by becoming a sustaining member if you are able (see membership form)

4.  Support GCYO by volunteering your time!  

2023-24 Annual Participation Fees: 

• Young Artist Orchestra & Philharmonic:  $250

• Sinfonia & Intermezzo: $125

• Orchestra Prep/Prelude: 

Fall Semester only: $75

Spring Semester only: $50

Participation Fees are due to the GCYO Association by the first rehearsal of the season unless you are seeking Financial Aid. Fees may be paid in the following ways:

• Online via Jumbula (there is a service fee). https://gcyo.jumbula.com/

• Cash or Check made out to GCYO and either brought to the first rehearsal in an envelope with your musician’s name on it, or mailed to 102 Pine Knoll Drive Greenville, 29609, Attention: GCYO. 

Payment Plan

• Your first payment must be at least 10% of your total fee and be received by the first rehearsal of the season.

• Payment schedule is as follows: Second Monday of each month in four installments.   

• You will receive a statement each month

• There is a one time $5 fee to use the payment plan   

If you are unable to afford the student fees, you MUST submit a request for financial assistance. 

Financial Aid Program: We understand that financial difficulties occur.  Financial aid is awarded based on a family’s financial need. If you need financial assistance, see guidelines below. 

GCYO Financial Aid and Scholarships

Raising Musicians: Financial Aid Awards

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:

We understand that financial difficulties occur.  Financial aid is awarded based on a family’s financial need. We expect all families, however, to “buy in” at some level.  Please be prepared to pay a deposit of 10% of the student fee by the first rehearsal.  

Complete our scholarship application found at https://gcyo.net/request-for-fees . Application must be completed by September 30.  

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 https://gcyo.net/request-lesson-assistance/ 

Financial Aid for Summer Studies:

Summer music camps and programs are an important part of a musician's 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 https://gcyo.net/summer-studies-assistance/ 

Scholarship Auditions 

The GCYO Association offers two merit-based scholarship opportunities for our musicians. Both scholarships are determined by live audition and will take place in the spring of each year. 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 published date.. For details and application check go to www.gcyo.net/students-and-parents/ 

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 2 – 4 scholarships awarded for each orchestra, amount to be determined by GCYO Board.

Senior Scholarship:

Graduating seniors who will be pursuing a music degree in college may apply for the Senior Scholarship. There will be one $1,000 scholarship awarded.

CONCERT DATES, CONCERT DRESS, REHEARSALS 

2023-2024 CONCERTS

Performances are a part of the education you receive in GCYO.  We expect our musicians to make every effort to attend the performances that their ensemble is involved in. Dress rehearsal dates are listed under the ensemble program dates

Fall Orchestras Concert: All Ensembles

 First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, November 18, 7:30 pm

Worship and Arts Center

200 W Washington St, Greenville, SC 29601

Peace Center Gunter Theatre, Greenville, February 3, 2024, 7:30 pm

Friday, Feb 2, 2023 (dress schedule at Gunther Theatre)

Peace Center Concert Hall, Greenville, May 31, 2024, 7:00 pm

Schedule TBD

CONCERT DRESS:

All black. Tops must be at least elbow length or long sleeve dress shirt. Bottoms must be long pants or ankle length skirts. Black shoes, belts, socks, no bare ankles.

At dress rehearsals: concert dress is not required.

REHEARSAL LOCATIONS AND TIMES

Orchestra Prep/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

GCYO ensembles rehearse on Mondays following the GCS calendar and holidays.

-Our first rehearsal is August 14 (Orchestra Prep starts on August 21)

-Our last rehearsal is a dress rehearsal on May 31, 2024 

-Complete Calendar details including dress rehearsals can be found under the ensemble program page.

-Dress Rehearsals and Concert Particulars will be sent out via email ahead of the concerts.

REHEARSAL PREPARATION

 Rehearsal time will be used to work on style, intonation, expression, technique, tone, color, balance & blend, ensemble, unity of purpose, and other aspects of orchestral performance. As an orchestra member, you are expected to do the following:

• Practice every day  to incorporate what was rehearsed at the most recent rehearsal and develop your technique according to weekly instructions. 

• Practice regularly with a metronome.

• There will be a part check/audition for each concert cycle. At the discretion of the staff, the part checks may or may not be used for seating. 

• Philharmonic and YAO musicians:  Obtain recordings of the works being rehearsed, listen to them, following and becoming familiar with individual parts in context of the work.

REHEARSAL and Concert ATTENDANCE POLICY

1. You (the orchestra member) are expected to attend ALL rehearsals in a given season. But:

2. You are allowed no more than 1 unexcused absence and 1 excused absence per the Shoulder to Shoulder concert cycle. (Other cycles will allow for 2 excused absences).

3. If you miss the dress rehearsal for any reason you will not be allowed to play in the concert. Students who miss concerts with out an excused absence will not be invited to continue in the program.

4. The Conductor in agreement with the Executive Director can reserve the right to expel a student from the ensemble in the case of repeated absences.

5. Acceptable reasons for an excused absence.

1. You must perform in a scheduled school concert

2. You must participate in an event that is a fixed part of your religious calendar

3.  You are sick

4.  Death of a family member

5. College music audition

 

 

 

How to file an excused absence: 

 

1. Email the conductor and copy the Executive Director (emails below) with reason for absence. It is only excused if both parties approve. 

2. Please be sure to include your child's full name, instrument, and ensemble in any email.

 

 

1. Cell Phones: Cell phone are not permitted in the rehearsal space. They should be left in your instrument cases and only checked during breaks

2. You are not permitted to miss dress rehearsals or concerts. These final rehearsals are geared toward pulling the elements of the orchestra together for the performance, and you are needed to accomplish this. You will be asked to sit backstage and not play in the concert if you have missed the dress rehearsal.

For each rehearsal:

• Arrive no later than 10 minutes before the start of any rehearsal.

• Bring your instrument, in good repair and ready to play.

• Bring YOUR music.

• Bring a pencil.

• Be on your best, attentive behavior during the rehearsal, paying attention to the conductors and coaches. Bad behavior like talking during rehearsal, distracting others, and not respecting the directions of the conductor or coaches will result in your dismissal from the program at the discretion of the Executive Director. It is are policy to not give refunds for expulsion because of student behavior.

Contact Information and How We Stay in Touch

Got questions?  The first place to go is to read this handbook.

READ OUR EMAILS and Sign Up to Receive our Newsletter

Our primary method of getting information to you is through emails sent from Jumbula, or, in the case of our newsletters, MailChimp.

PLEASE read all emails coming to you from anyone at GCYO.  

Social Media and Newsletter Sign Up: https://linktr.ee/gcyo

Jumbula Account Link: https://gcyo.jumbula.com/

Still have a question?  

If it’s orchestra specific, such as “I lost my music”, please contact your student’s conductor:

• Prelude: Kathy Robinson, [email protected], Catherine Crowe,[email protected]

• Intermezzo: Ms. Lizzie Conrad, [email protected]

• Sinfonia: Ms. Charis Burger, [email protected]

• Philharmonic: Dr. Pyeongkang Park, [email protected]

• Young Artist Orchestra: Dr. Pyeongkang Park, [email protected]

• Executive Director: David Kiser, [email protected]