Learning Together, Growing Stronger The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in 2020
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 52
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.
