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School of Music News

A Chat with Christina Clark, Friend of the USC School of Music

To both lovers and practitioners of the creative arts, disciplines often overlap. For Christina Clark, music and visual art meet in a harmonious intersection. In celebration of the Parker Quartet's complete Beethoven Quartet cycle concert series, the School of Music commissioned Christina Clark, member of the Friends of the School of Music Board of Directors, to create a featured piece for the Cycle's commemorative poster.

Forever a member of The Carolina Band

The Mighty Sound of the Southeast stays a part of its members' lives for many years after they graduate. The brotherhood and sisterhood of being a part of something bigger than themselves never leaves a member's heart. Julie Moody Mise exemplified this familial and eternal connection.

Parker Quartet Commemorates 10th Anniversary at USC with Special Series

More than 200 years in the making, the 16 Beethoven string quartets will be performed over the course of six concerts in a special partnership with Historic Columbia. The Beethoven Cycle has never been performed in Columbia, South Carolina, making this a truly historic event.

Continuing a Legacy with Opera at USC

For Columbia native, Mary Keenan, Opera at USC holds a special place in her heart. As the daughter of the late Lanny and Sidney Palmer - two prominent musicians in South Carolina- she learned from an early age what goes into producing an opera and how to appreciate the art form

Paving the Way for Black Female Faculty Representation at USC

For Black History Month we sat down with Dr. Birgitta Johnson to discuss being a black music specialist, connecting students to their culture/heritage and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the School of Music.

Behind-the-Scenes with Opera at USC

It takes more than great vibrato, colorful costumes and powerful scores to make operatic magic. Learn what goes into making an opera really sing!

USC Wind Ensemble Pays Tribute to Dr. King During Black History Month

The centerpiece of the USC Wind Ensemble's February concerts, "New Morning for the World," is based on the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. School of Music students Alyssa Santivanez and Deshawn Stevens will narrate texts from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a Dream" speech during the performance.

Partnership, grant combine to give students real-life music industry experience

In partnership with CIEL, music instructor Jeremy Polley has secured a relationship with one of the world's largest independent music festival promoters.

Whittaker Composition Commission to Premiere in April

A composer's dream is to write a piece that receives its world premiere by first-rate musicians. University of South Carolina School of Music doctoral student, Shupeng Cao, received this opportunity when he was chosen as the first recipient of the newly created Whittaker Composition Commission Fund award.

Awadagin Pratt: Piano Virtuoso and Music Education Advocate

Awadagin Pratt is no stranger to performing on the University of South Carolina stages, having appeared at our Southeastern Piano festival in 2021. The acclaimed and award-winning pianist is not just a favorite of USC, but a national favorite on college and university performing arts series across the country.

The Mighty Sound of the Southeast Performs at TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks will face off against Notre Dame at the 78th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on December 30 in Jacksonville, FL. The entire Carolina Band -- all 360 members -- plus band directors, staff and assistants will help bring the energy to this historic bowl.

The Birth of a Special Partnership

Claire Bryant, a cello professor and the coordinator of Bridging Our Distances, is leading a program created by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute that pairs incarcerated expecting mothers with professional musicians.

Classroom and Stage

Tenor Johnnie Felder earns DMA, prepares for next gig.

Bass n' Bells Fundraises for Music Industries Studies Program

Students in the Music Industry Studies (MIS) program in the University of South Carolina's School of Music believe in giving back to the program that supports them so much.

School of Music Expands Commitment to Jazz Education with Dedicated Facility

The School of Music’s jazz program is getting a new home in a familiar place: Greene Street United Methodist Church.

The Mighty Sound of the Southeast Secures Donation of Semi-Truck for Band Transport

The Carolina Band is rolling into gameday in style, thanks to a transformational donation by Nilson Van and Storage of Columbia.

USC Selected as Co-recipient of 2023 MTNA Collegiate Chapter of the Year

The University of South Carolina School of Music's chapter of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) has been named co-recipient of the 2023 MTNA Collegiate Chapter of the Year.

USC Jazz Studies Welcomes Guest Artists

The Dominican Jazz Project brings its blend of Latin and American jazz to the USC School of Music.

Hello, from Long Beach

Dean Tayloe Harding recently traveled to Long Beach, California to present at the College Music Society (CMS) National Conference.

Emerging Voices: A Life-changing Opportunity

In August, two faculty from the University of South Carolina School of Music fulfilled a goal -- to offer a small group of students a life-changing, week-long singing intensive at Castleton

A Powerful Season Awaits

The USC Symphony Orchestra opens the 2022-23 season, "Power and Empower," with The Planets. The six concerts feature a star-studded lineup of soloists, some of the most powerful orchestral works ever written, and an empowered ensemble of accomplished musicians.

New Sounds from Down Under and Down South

Associate Dean and Professor of Saxophone at the University of South Carolina Dr. Clifford Leaman believes there are two ways to have a lasting impact on the saxophone community. One is teaching many "fine students to play saxophone who then teach more fine students." The other is to commission new works for the instrument.

Better Together

Making music is simply better together, face-to-face.

We Are the Music

Against the backdrop of trauma caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, school shootings and social unrest, Schlegel, Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education at the University of South Carolina, sees an even greater need for hope, positivity and support. She believes music offers a unique pathway to bring people together.

Wellness Comes Full Circle

Under blue skies on a Friday morning in June, 25 residents and staff members from Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community gathered on the facility's Mansion Porch for a drum circle led by School of Music Professor of Music Education faculty member Wendy Valerio.

 

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