Anderson Symphony Holds Auditions for New Members

Anderson’s own civic orchestra, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra (ASO), will hold auditions for new members on Monday, August 19, 2019 and Tuesday, August 20, 2019 from 6pm to 9pm.  Auditions are by appointment only and are open to all talented non-professional, professional and college student musicians.  Exceptional high school student instrumentalists will also be considered.  Musicians wishing to audition are asked to prepare a short piece of their own choosing.  Sight-reading materials will be provided at the appointment.  To schedule an appointment, please call the GAMAC office at (864) 231-6147.

            Founded in 1975, the ASO is a group of volunteer musicians devoted to the joy of performing symphonic music.  Conducted by Dr. Andrew Pettus, the ensemble is managed by the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC).  The 2019-2020 Concert Season will mark the ASO’s 45th year of outstanding performances.  The season will begin in November with a special collaboration among the ASO, Anderson University, and members of the GAMAC Chamber Orchestra in honor of Beethoven’s birthday titled Beethoven at 250 and featuring performances of the composer’s Egmont Overture, Choral Fantas,y and his beloved Symphony No. 5.  Additional performances will include a mid-winter performance of Anderson’s Got Talent showcasing student vocalists and instrumentalists from Anderson University’s Music Department and a Pops  celebration in early May.

            Dr. Andrew Pettus was named conductor of the thriving community orchestra at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 concert season after serving in an interim capacity.  Now in his 5th year as Director of Instrumental Music at the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University, Dr. Pettus is recognized for his high quality performances and devotion to music education.  A native of Florence, AL, he holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in music education and pure mathematics from the University of Alabama, a Master of Music degree from the University of Miami in music education with emphasis in conducting, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Minnesota in conducting. 

            Anderson Symphony Orchestra auditions and membership are open to all talented instrumentalists regardless of race, religion, gender, or orientation.  As a constituent ensemble of GAMAC, the ASO is funded in part by generous contributions from individuals and businesses in addition to funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.