The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in South Carolina has announced a new flexible program model for its youth ensembles. The SPYO launched in 2019 as an orchestra for 9th- to 12th-graders and added a junior ensemble for 6th- to 8th-grade string students in 2020. Beginning July 1, the two ensembles of SPYO will be known as Prelude (formerly SPYO Junior Ensemble), a string ensemble led by conductor Johanna Wilson, and Symphony (SPYO Senior Ensemble), a full orchestra led by conductor Susie Lalama. Prelude participants typically will range from 6th to 9th grade. Symphony will expand to include participants ranging from 8th to 12th grade, providing opportunities for 8th-grade “winds, brass, percussion, and string musicians to perform with a full orchestra,” said Lalama. Under the new model, prospective students may audition for either Prelude or Symphony; 8th- and 9th-grade string students have the option to audition for both programs. “This overlap in programs encourages continued musical growth,” says Lalama. “We hope it will further inspire students to work hard on their skills and be even more prepared to join their peers at the next level.”
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