The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in 2020

by Susana Lalama
Youth Orchestra Conductor

After an electrifying start to the inaugural season of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, the momentum shifted in March 2020. Like everything else during the coronavirus pandemic shutdown, our remaining rehearsals and final performance were cancelled for the season. Facing the new challenges of social distancing, learning online, and other unknowns, the SPYO team knew that the students, families, and community needed music in their lives, now more than ever. In response, the SPYO team met several times throughout the spring and summer and devised a flexible and responsible plan for the Youth Orchestra to continue its mission, “…to provide a rewarding musical experience for the talented young musicians in the greater Spartanburg area.”

Auditions were held in late May 2020 via video submission. After several hours of video auditions, we are thrilled to announce the formation of two youth orchestras. The Senior Youth Orchestra is a 63-member, full orchestra comprised of students grades 9-12 and winds, brass, and percussion students grades 8-12. The Junior Youth Orchestra is our newest expansion of a string orchestra comprised of over 30 middle school string students.

Students and families have been receiving SPYO communication via email and social media pages. Our summer event, held on Sunday August 9, 2020, was the Music Meet-Up. Students were assigned times based on their instruments to pick up their music folder, enjoy a popsicle, and meet the conductors and the Youth Orchestra staff. This event took place outdoors at the Converse College music building loop and it was a great opportunity to see one another and interact while socially distant.

The Youth Orchestra’s first rehearsal is scheduled for August 30th. The ongoing pandemic has the group rehearsing in smaller sections, socially distant, and outdoors whenever possible. All students are asked to do personal wellness checks prior to coming to each rehearsal to help ensure the safety of all involved. If anyone had any symptoms of illness, the students are asked to stay at home, and they can participate in the section rehearsal via technology.

When the group is ready to rehearse together, the entire Youth Orchestra will rehearse outdoors on the Converse quad. Our performance(s) will also be held outdoors, picnic-style. The dates or times may shift due to weather, but we will let all families and patrons know as soon as possible. We would love your support!

The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is committed to bringing music to the students in a safe and responsible manner. We will continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC and SCDHEC as well as the protocols of Converse College to help ensure the wellness of the entire Youth Orchestra. We are all in this together!