Local Picks are organizations whose services we feel compliment what we offer here at Sounds of Carolina. Below you can find information on everything from local youth orchestra programs, alternative ensemble opportunities, summer camps, and instrument rentals and sales.
Local Picks
Local youth orchestras for supplementary learning
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Greenville County Youth Orchestras (GCYO)
Youth orchestra program in Greenville consisting of six orchestras of varying levels. Rehearsals and concerts held throughout the symphony season, which follows the usual school year. Financial aid is available for GCYO tuition as well as private lessons. Students admitted by audition only. Application and auditions due by late spring 2024. Please visit website for more information.
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Carolina Youth Symphony (CYS)
Youth orchestra program in Greenville consisting of three orchestras of varying levels. Students admitted by audition only. Rehearsals and concerts held throughout the symphony season, which follows the usual school year. Financial aid is available for CYS tuition. Application and auditions due by late spring 2024. Please visit website for more information.
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All-County, Region, and State
Local weekend events for young musicians who are members of their public school music programs. Most of these events are open to middle and high schoolers. Students admitted by audition only. Auditions are held at various points throughout the year and are facilitated by the public school music director. Please contact your music director for more information.
What is a youth orchestra?
A youth orchestra is a large group of musicians of similar and age and ability level learning together in an orchestra setting. The group almost always plays classical repertoire and is led by an accomplished and experienced conductor. Students meet for weekly rehearsals and have several concerts throughout the school year. Youth orchestra participation is a great compliment to lessons because it further instills the skills they are learning. Our SOC teachers help their students prepare auditions for the orchestras and then help students learn the repertoire once they’ve been accepted.
Other local ensemble opportunities
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Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM)
Program in Pickens teaching traditional Appalachian music to children and adults. Yam offers an after school program, evening music program, instrument rental, and summer camp opportunities. Financial aid is available. Program is open to all students. Please contact organization for enrollment details.
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Greenville Jazz Collective (GJC)
Youth jazz program in Greenville. Students play in small jazz combos, with an emphasis in performing jazz standards and developing repertoire and techniques for jazz improvisation. Guest artists will visit frequently to work with YJE members. Summer camp also available. Please visit website for enrollment details.
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Greenville Youth Chorale
Greenville Youth Chorale (GYC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit choral arts organization based in Greenville, S.C. with the mission to develop and inspire young singers through excellent choral performance and instruction.
Visit GYC’s FB page for registration and information or email Dr. Steven Brundage, Executive Director, at steven@greenvilleyouthchorale.org.
SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
Since 1999, the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities has served artistically talented students who have been recognized nationally by organizations such as YoungArts, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Youth America Grand Prix, Music Teachers National Association, and U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Graduates receive millions of dollars in scholarship offers to attend the nation’s top colleges, universities, and conservatories and become innovators and leaders in the arts, technology, education, business, health care and other fields. Esteemed alumni include South Carolina Teachers of the Year, Tony and Grammy Award winners, Emmy nominees, and a Webby Award winner. This is all possible thanks to the unique mission and vision established by the Governor's School's founders.
Instruments and maintenance
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Bernhardt House of Violins
Violin shop in Greer, SC that specializes in all things strings. They offer instrument rentals (including rent-to-own), instruments for sale, cases, sheet music, accessories, and also have a full in-house luthier shop. Bernhardt is a beautiful shop that is locally owned and operated.
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Piano Central
Piano store in Greenville, SC that boasts an excellent customer service experience. The staff at Piano Central really tries to educate their customers about pianos and coaches them toward purchasing the instrument that best fits their lifestyle. Mention Sounds of Carolina when purchasing.
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Greenville Piano Services
Greenville-based piano servicing company owned and operated by Glen Chaddock. Glen tunes all our acoustic pianos and we proudly recommend him to our clients. Greenville Piano Services is experienced and professional.