The Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry will hold auditions for new members on August 22nd and 29th from 2 to 6 p.m. at the College of Charleston. WE MAY BE ADDING A SECOND ORCHESTRA DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO AUDITION. For auditions requirements, please see the Membership page. If you would like to make an appointment, please email Richard Marcus at marcusr64@gmail.com
The Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry is an auditioned group open to talented instrumentalists throughout the coastal Carolina region. The orchestra had its start in the early 1970's as an expansion of early string programs in the Charleston County Schools. Two string orchestras, the West Ashley Strings and the East Cooper Strings were formed to combine students in the various school programs into larger, more advanced ensembles. In the mid 1970's, with the addition of winds and percussion, the group became the Charleston County Youth Orchestra. The orchestra came under the wing of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra during Ralph Rizzolo's tenure as manager of the CSO. In 2007, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the College of Charleston joined forces to co-sponsor the organization. Rehearsals are held weekly on the College of Charleston campus. Recent performances include the 2008 Piccolo Spoleto Festival, a combined concert with the National Youth Orchestra of Uruguay, and the 2009 South Carolina Music Educators Association In-Service Conference.
YoLow Board Members for 2009-2010 are as follows:
- Monty Bentz, President
- Lil Bogdan, Vice-President
- Gloria Palmer-Long, Secretary
- Marilyn Luengo, Treasurer
- Renée Bentz, Parent Volunteer Coordinator
- James Braunreuther, Representative, Charleston County School District
- Carolyn Witte, Representative, Charleston Symphony Orchestra League
- Bratton Riley, Representative, Charleston Symphony Orchestra Board
