Friends help keep the music playing
Friends show their support for the continued growth and success of the USC School of Music by providing music scholarships to students, encouraging community participation in musical events and by sponsoring special activities.
By becoming a Friend, you benefit from a special relationship with the university. Since its inception, Friends have provided more than half a million dollars to outstanding students of music at USC.
Join us in our commitment to the dedicated and talented students and faculty of USC School of Music. Because of people like you, more students have more opportunities to become noted performers, composers and educators. Be a part of our vision for one of the foremost schools of music in the country.
As a Friend, you receive invitations to special events to meet guest artists and students, recognition in concert programs and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to create the best musical experiences for our patrons and students alike. Friends enjoy the company of like-minded music enthusiasts and receive invitations to special events like the annual Musical Feast
Student/Educator - $25
Family - $50
Partner - $100 - $249
Contributor - $250 – $499
Patron - $500 - $999
Sustainer - $1,000 and above
Become a Friend
Board of Directors
Allison Leonard Sanford is the Director of Communications & Digital Strategy for Lexington Medical Center.
"As a former dancer, I am a life long music lover and proud supporter of the arts. Dean Harding and I served together on the board of another arts organization and that's where I began learning about the amazing work at the School of Music."
David Martin Sickinger is the Architect/Principal for Garvin Design Group and he enjoys playing the piano.
Simms Oliphant is the Senior Manager of Advancement at the Charleston Symphony. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music in composition from the School of Music in 2014. She was a part of University Chorus and she is a soprano.
"There are top-notch performances happening at the School of Music by talented students and acclaimed faculty members every day of the week!"
Karen Alexander-Banks is the President and CEO of the Auntie Karen Foundation. She graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1984. She performed with Carolina Alive from 1981-1984 and she is a jazz vocalist.
Eugene Brooks is the Regional Director of Live Events & Marketing at Audacy Communications, Inc. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 1994. He is an alto saxophone player. During his time at USC, he was a part of The Carolina Band, USC Concert Band and Jazz Band.

Joni Tindall Chaney recently retired from Lexington Medical Center and is an active
singer.
"The School of Music provides something for everyone in all realms of music education for their students and the music enhancement of the community and state. "
Adam Clark is the Chief Meteorologist at WIS. He is an alto saxophone player, an alumnus of USC and The Carolina Band.
"The School of Music enriched my time in college as I marched in the band for three seasons. I would love to help students receive assistance for their education. "
Christina Clark is retired, an avid artist and former violinist.
"The School of Music teaches students at a level of proficiency equal to the major music conservatories and offers this quality to the community through many concerts of various music genres."
Mary Parekh is the community liaison at Rice Music House and is a trained pianist.
"Music and music education are passions of mine. Joining the Friends Board is a perfect fit to support, pursue and advance excellence in music at USC."
Ex-Officio:
Dr. Tayloe Harding, Dean
Caroline Earp, Director of Alumni & Donor Engagement
Audra Vaz, Assistant Dean for Advancement
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded annually by the Friends of the School of Music to worthy students currently enrolled at the School of Music.
Friends of the School of Music Scholarship Sponsor
2021–2022 Recipients
Melody Shaffer, oboe
Henry King, clarinet
Ellis McLarty, cello
Giovanna Worley, tuba
Christina Grace Harding, voice
Cate Balsamo, flute
Matthew Chesnutt, voice
Julia Jacobsen, violin
Contact:
For more information, contact the School of Music Office of Development