Youth Orchestras

Founded in 1964, the Youth Orchestras are the only community based orchestra training organizations in the Midlands.

The South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestras provide a quality education in classical music through the performance of symphonic and chamber music to as many talented young musicians as possible from the Greater Columbia area and surrounding counties. This experience enables the young musicians to achieve their highest potential as both performers and patrons of the arts.

Membership in the Youth Orchestras is open to players of orchestral instruments from elementary school through high school ages. Many Youth Orchestras students also come to us by way of the USC School of Music's exceptional String Project. Only the player's musical ability and the practicality of his/her regular attendance at rehearsals limit participation.

All members of the Youth Orchestra must enroll in the appropriate instrumental music courses offered through their schools, if such instrumental music programs exist. Exceptions will be made for home-schooled students. Exceptions may be made for students who encounter class-scheduling conflicts between instrumental music courses and courses required for graduation from high school, if such conflicts would postpone the student's timely graduation from high school.

Open to all qualified school-age students throughout the state by competitive audition, the Youth Orchestras perform three concerts each year. After auditioning, students are placed in one of three orchestras: The Youth Orchestra, conducted by Jerry Gatch; the Repertory conducted by Andrew C. Preston, Jr.; or Strings Orchestra conducted by Nicole Neely.

The Youth Orchestras serve approximately 200 students and are operated by membership fees, sponsorship and support from the Philharmonic.

Current orchestra members

Check out information on the Practice Challenge!

2011/2012 Concerts

All concerts are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Koger Center for the Arts.
General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

  • Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011
  • Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012
  • Sunday, April 29, 2012

Tickets may only be purchased at the ticket kiosk in the Koger Center lobby one hour before start time.

2012/2013 Audition Information

To schedule an audition time, please contact Youth Orchestras Manager Judy Lawrence by calling 803.788.8442.  Leave a message on the answer machine that includes student's name and contact information.

ALL auditions at the USC School of Music (813 Assembly Street, Columbia).

Strings Auditions (all ages)

Sign in at USC School of Music room 040 (lower level)
  • Viola, cello, and bass: Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 1 to 7 p.m.
  • Violin: Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 1 to 7 p.m.

Wind, Brass & Percussion Auditions (all ages)

Sign in at USC School of Music room 012 (lower level)

  • Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m.
  • Monday, May 14, 2012 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
ATTENTION: Specific audition requirements are available by clicking here or from the SCP office at 721 Lady Street, Suite B in the Vista (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday only). Special thanks to Chris Cordé/Blythewood High School Orchestras for hosting the linked information.

From Left to Right:

  • Judy Lawrence
  • Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Gatch
  • Andrew (Andy) C. Preston, Jr.
Nicole Neely not pictured.

For more information about the SCP Youth Orchestras, please contact Youth Orchestras Manager Judy Lawrence at 803.788.8442.