Learning Together, Growing Stronger
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in 2020
by Susana Lalama
Youth Orchestra Conductor
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra opened its second season during Fall 2020 with two orchestras. We welcomed back the Senior Youth Orchestra, a full orchestra comprised of woodwind, brass, percussion, and string high school students. We also debuted the Junior Youth Orchestra, a string orchestra comprised of middle school students. With pandemic restrictions guiding us, rehearsals launched in late August. Our rehearsal hall was moved outdoors so we could practice social distancing. Most orchestral instruments are very sensitive to weather conditions, so when it was too hot, too cold, or too humid, we had to move rehearsals indoors and practice in smaller sections. We have learned so much about making music in varying conditions this season, and as a result we are stronger than we have ever been.
Socially Distant Planning
The SPYO team knew that we had to be creative in making music this season. Auditions were the first obstacle. Since we were not able to visit schools in person, we had to create an online campaign to capture the students’ attention. For the Senior Youth Orchestra, this was not too difficult. The ensemble had already existed for a year and was well known within the community. However, this was the inaugural year for the Junior Youth Orchestra. Getting the word out to middle school students without being able to visit them in schools was tough. Middle school orchestra teachers stepped up, big-time! These unsung heroes notified their students and parents and helped our young musicians learn the audition music with the added difficulty of teaching in a virtual setting. Auditions were held by video submission and were a success! By June 2020, the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Junior and Senior ensembles were formed.
Spring and summer communication was done mostly through email and social media. I found myself making several videos to connect with students about auditions and general youth orchestra plans. The Spartanburg Philharmonic office gave their support by setting up all youth orchestra online needs. From editing video content to creating forms online, they were working hard behind the scenes. It was a collaborative effort between the Spartanburg Philharmonic and the SPYO team to make this season possible for the students.
Rehearsing Outdoors
The outdoor rehearsal experience was new to us. We have chased sheet music taken by the wind, watched rain clouds approach, and learned how temperature affects tuning. We have also learned to welcome the additional sounds of airplanes, birds, and the vehicles of downtown Spartanburg. In general, outdoor acoustics are not ideal for orchestras. The students had to work extra hard to focus their listening to achieve their performance goals. The students overcame all of these elements to give a great outdoor performance on November 1, 2020. Both the junior and senior orchestra concerts centered around the opera Carmen. The Senior Orchestra’s headline piece was Bizet’s Carmen Suite no.2, and the Junior Orchestra made their debut with a Spanish theme to compliment the story of Carmen. The SPYO instructional staff were delighted by the performances of both orchestras.
The students have been super flexible and mature about the fall rehearsal modifications. They understood that this year was not typical. They persevered for the love of music and performance and I am so proud of them as they continue to make great strides as artists and as people. It is a pleasure working with these talented young musicians.
Since the outdoor concert, I have received nothing but praise from parents, friends, and patrons of SPYO. The support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Being able to perform music together has been a giant undertaking during the COVID-era. For some students, the youth orchestra was the only ensemble in which they were able to make music because of their schools’ COVID restrictions. These students need music in their lives. Although conditions have not been ideal, we have striven to make that music together.
What’s Next for the SPYO?
With Spring upon us, the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra continues to energize the community. The students are eager to learn new music and grow as musicians together.
After the success of the Fall Concert, we anticipate another outdoor event in the future, but not in the winter. The unpredictable weather patterns of January and February have SPYO moving indoors. We have managed to squeeze in a few rehearsals outdoors in November, but the remaining time in January will mostly be in smaller, indoor groups. The Winter performance is scheduled for Sunday, February 7, 2021, in Twichell Auditorium. Both orchestras are taking a musical “World Tour” as a concert theme, performing pieces inspired by cultures of the world (see program below). As of now, we have only one concert scheduled with limited seating, so get your tickets early!
Junior Youth Orchestra
African Adventure by Robert Sheldon
Calypso Sea by Soon Hee Newbold
Two Italian Dances by Deborah Baker Monday
Celtic Roots by Kenneth Baird
Fantasy on a Japanese Folk Song by Brian Balmages
Senior Youth Orchestra
English Folk Song Suite by Ralph Vaughn Williams
Arabian Dances by Brian Balmages
Finlandia by Jean Sibelius
The final concert of the season will be in April on the Converse lawn. Both orchestras are planning on finishing the “World Tour” back in the United States, performing works of American composers and American-inspired themes. The junior and senior orchestras will also combine for a side-by-side grand finale performance. You don’t want to miss it!
The April performance will also feature the winners of the Annual Concerto Competition. The Concerto Competition is open to Senior Youth Orchestra members and held in January 2021. Contestants perform a movement of a concerto for a panel of judges from the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra. The winner(s) will have the opportunity to perform the concerto as soloists with the senior youth orchestra.
The future is bright for the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra! There are so many opportunities for the young musicians of the greater Spartanburg area to strengthen their musical skills with this dynamic organization. I encourage you to spread the word to the young musicians in your community. Auditions for the 2021-2022 Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra season will take place in May 2021. Be sure to check the website and follow us on social media for details. SPYO is dedicated to enhancing the musical skills of school-aged musicians. We are eager to continue performing great music with the immense talent of our area. I hope to see you at our next concert!