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.
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 $150 for one year.
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HOW TO JOIN

Long Bay Youth 
String Ensemble

The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble is open to all student string players with a year 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 $90 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 Instructions below) or emailed to [email protected]
Audition material needs to be consistent with your grade and instrument’s All-Region standards (scales, solo, etc.).

Audition videos should include the following:

  • Audition Excerpts (Strings Only)
  • Scales: (Example: A, F, f#, d)
    • Major Key Signature with #
    • Major Key Signature with b
    • Relative Minor of Scale 1
    • Relative Minor of Scale 2
  • 2 solos of your choice demonstrating contrasting style: state/region solos will suffice
Registration Instructions

Strings

  • Participants must perform two of the following: a brief solo, the performance of a part of a solo, or an étude; both must be approximately 3 minutes in length.  
  • All-Region solo excerpts will be acceptable for this audition.
  • For string instrument auditions, two assigned orchestral excerpts will be required as well. These excerpt requirements are linked below.

Violin IViolin IIViolaCelloBass

Winds & Brass

  • Participants must perform two of the following: a brief solo, the performance of a part of a solo, or an étude; both must be approximately 3 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 approximately 3 minutes long.
  • 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].

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