FAQs
CYS Practice & Performance Locations
Furman University Partnership
The close and important relationship between Furman University and the Carolina Youth Symphony has enabled CYS to provide talented young musicians with significant opportunities for personal and artistic growth. CYS is grateful to Furman University for their continued support.
Rehearsal Location - Furman University - Daniel Music Building
Daniel Music Building
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Furman Map and Performance Location Details
Daniel Music Building
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
Helpful Info
How do I audition?
If you are new to CYS, please visit our Auditions page for audition guidelines, excerpts and applications.
How much is participation fee for each orchestra?
- Symphony Orchestra Members: $512.00 per year
- Concert Orchestra Members: $462.00 per year
- Repertory Orchestra Members: $412.00 per year
- Preparatory String Orchestra: $212.00 per year
RO, CO, SO Participation fee is paid in two installments: the first half is due on July 1, and the remaining balance is due on October 15. Fee also covers that CYS Music Binder that each member will receive at camp.
PSO Participation fee is due at the start of the first rehearsal for PSO in January.
Are financial aid or work programs available for tuition?
Yes, financial aid and work study programs are available to assist with season participation fees. Families may apply for financial aid after they are accepted into a CYS program.
What does tuition cover, and how are additional expenses funded?
Tuition helps cover approximately one-third of the orchestra’s operating budget. The remaining two-thirds are funded through fundraising efforts and the generosity of sponsors and the music community. Tuition includes five performance opportunities, sectional coaching, advanced sight-reading for the Symphony Orchestra, and ensemble opportunities. Private instruction and solo repertoire development are also encouraged for all members.
Who supports the educational and performance opportunities provided by CYS?
CYS is supported through the dedicated fundraising efforts of its Board of Directors, young musicians, and their parents, as well as the generosity of corporate and individual sponsors. Additionally, CYS receives major support from Furman University, which provides rehearsal and performance facilities, and has been awarded a 3-year grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission, among other charitable agencies.
How does CYS fund special projects?
CYS seeks grants from organizations such as the Metropolitan Arts Council of Greenville, South Carolina Arts Commission, and other charitable agencies to support special projects, alongside ongoing fundraising efforts and contributions from sponsors.
Get Involved
Parent Guild
The Parent Guild, a CYS support group, is composed of family members of students in the Repertory Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, and the Symphony Orchestra.
The goal of the Parent Guild is to support the organization by helping at concerts, aiding in fundraising, providing refreshments for students before concerts, and much more.
We have the following committees in place:
Concert Committee
Concert Refreshments
Student Refreshments
Receptions
Fundraising
At the beginning of each season we have an introductory Guild meeting where family members can meet the board of the Parent Guild, the Committee Chair Persons, Lee Elmore, our Executive Director, and our conductors Dr. Les Hicken, Mr. Jim Kilgus, and Ms. Ginger Greer. We also discuss the mission of our Parent Guild and provide time to sign up to volunteer with one of our committees.
If your student(s) are interested in participation with CYS, family members are also encouraged to volunteer their time and talents to the Carolina Youth Symphony, and be a part of it!