Auditions - Long Bay Symphony

Joining Our Programs

Both of our youth programs offer the opportunity to practice and perform under professional direction and receive instruction from the finest classical musicians that the Grand Strand has to offer. The requirements for joining each group are different and are listed below.

Audition Details Program FAQs

HOW TO JOIN

Long Bay
Youth Symphony

To join, students must audition. To audition, students will be asked to send in a recording. See below for more information. Those who are selected to perform with the Long Bay Youth Symphony are introduced to an advanced level of orchestra literature and placed in an environment that expects and fosters dedication, concentration, and leadership. The Long Bay Youth Symphony rehearsals will be held at Trinity Church 3000 N Kings Hwy Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 every Tuesday from 5:30-8PM .

The cost of tuition for a LBYS student is $200 for one year.

More Details

HOW TO JOIN

Long Bay Youth
String Ensemble

The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble is open to all student string players with 2 years or more experience on their instrument. Auditions are NOT required for participation, however, students must make a commitment to attend rehearsals and maintain a positive attitude towards learning. The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble meets Sunday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. at Myrtle Beach High School.

The cost of tuition for a LBYSE student is $100 per semester.

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TRYING OUT

Youth Symphony Audition Process

Auditions will be held virtually: all videos need to be uploaded to the Registration Google Form (click Registration Form below) or emailed to [email protected]. The Registration Form and audition videos are due Monday September 1, 2025.

Audition material needs to be consistent with your grade and instrument’s All-Region standards (scales, solo, etc.).

Audition videos should include the following:

Scales
- Strings- 3 octaves 1 major scale, 1 melodic minor scale
- Woodwinds- 2 octaves in the key of C and G or D (2 octaves)
- Brass-1 octave in the key of C and G or D
- Mallets- 2 octaves 1 major scale, 1 melodic minor scale
Solo(s) of your choice demonstrating contrasting style: state/region solos will suffice. *See below for instrument specific instructions*

Registration Form

Strings

Solo(s)- choose one of the following options:
- 2 solos with contrasting styles- maximum of 1 minute each
- 1 solo that demonstrates 2 contrasting styles- maximum of 2 minutes in length
All-Region solo excerpts will be acceptable for this audition.

Winds & Brass

Solo(s)- choose one of the following options:
- 2 solos with contrasting styles- maximum of 1 minute each
- 1 solo that demonstrates 2 contrasting styles- maximum of 2 minutes in length
All-Region solo excerpts will be acceptable for this audition.

Percussion

Participants must prepare 2 brief solos/études: one on the snare drum and another one on mallets; both must be a maximum of 1 minute each.
All-County/All-Region solo excerpts will be acceptable for this audition.
If you have timpani experience, please include a timpani etude/solo as well.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What You Need to Know

Ready to become part of one of our youth programs? Here’s everything you need to know:

Do I have to audition to be in a youth program?

To be in the Long Bay Youth Symphony, participants must register and audition for the program. To register, click here.

However, auditions are NOT required for participation in the Long Bay Youth String Ensemble. To join the LBYSE, students must make a commitment to attend rehearsals and maintain a positive attitude towards learning. Membership will be open to all student string players with a year or more experience on their instrument. A strong focus will be placed on technique, string repertoire, musicianship, and ensemble performance skills. We encourage all interested students to contact LBYSE manager Deanne Renshaw at [email protected] for more information!

Who can be in the youth programs?

The Long Bay Youth Symphony is open to players of all orchestral instruments, from 7th graders to college undergraduates (some exceptions to this may be granted, at the discretion of the director). There are limited positions available for woodwinds, brass, and percussion. All members must re-audition each year.

The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble requires that students have at least one year of experience with their instrument.

How will I know if I made it?

Candidates will be notified of their acceptance status via email as soon as possible following their audition, but no later than the end of the week. Rehearsal attendance is mandatory, so mark your calendars now!

Who should I contact with other questions?

For questions about the Long Bay Youth Symphony, please contact Youth Symphony Manager, Stephen Williams, at [email protected]. For questions about the Long Bay Youth String Ensemble, please contact String Ensemble Manager, Deanne Renshaw, at [email protected].