UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Band Clinic

This School of Music program, held annually in February, attracts 400 high-school band students from 100 schools in five states. After an audition, participants are assigned to one of four bands directed by a nationally known band conductor. Participants rehearse, attend concerts and classes, and present a public concert. For more information, call 803-777-4278.

Children’s Music Development Center

Music Play classes at the University of South Carolina's Children’s Music Development Center are part of an innovative program designed to develop the music potentials of young children, from newborns to 5-year-olds. Current research performed by Dr. Valerio, her colleagues, and her graduate assistants, is showing that music is best learned if informal music guidance is begun as early in life as possible.

Children may participate in the Music Play Program from birth through age 5. In Music Play, each child's readiness for achievement in later formal music instruction will be enhanced under the guidance of the CMDC faculty. In the music play program, children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver during each class. Cost is $100 for 10 classes. Contact by phone at 777-4065, e-mail to CMDC@mozart.sc.edu, or visit the CDMC Web site.

Community Music Events

The central location of the School of Music makes it a popular choice for various statewide musical organization events. These events include meetings of the Columbia Music Teachers Association, the S.C. Music Teachers National Association Executive Board, the S.C. Philharmonic Orchestra committees and youth orchestras, the S.C. Symphonic Chorale, and the South Carolina Piano Festival. For more information, call 803-777-4280. For a complete listing of events, visit the online calendar.

Community Music Program

The Community Music Program provides private lessons by experienced teachers in the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, classical guitar, violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, and voice. Twelve private lessons are scheduled weekly either after school or on weekends. Tuition is semester based: 12-half-hour lessons-$230; 12-one-hour lessons-$400; Family Discount for 2 or more students -$200 per student. For an application call 777- 4281 or visit the Community Music Program Web site.

Congaree New Horizons Band

Begun in January 2007, the Congaree New Horizons Band gives adults ages 50 and older the opportunity to learn to play and perform a band instrument in a group setting. No musical experience is required to participate.

Fees include $10 monthly dues and instrument rental. Information on enrollment and instruments will be provided during organizational meetings at the start of each fall and spring semester. Weekly practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and from 6-7 a.m. on Monday nights (members may attend the meetings that best fit their own schedule). Each practice session will include full-group rehearsals as well as small-group and individual instruction. The band will perform 2-4 concerts per semester at various locations in the Columbia Metropolitan area.

The University's Congaree New Horizons Band is affiliated with New Horizons International Music Association, an organization that encourages seniors to learn and make music with friends. New Horizons has approximately 175 bands worldwide. For more information about the New Horizons Music Groups, go to www.newhorizonsmusic.org.

For more information about the Congaree New Horizons Band, contact Dr. Jeremy Lane at 777-1501; e-mail: jlane@mozart.sc.edu; or visit the Congaree New Horizons Band Web site.

South Carolina Invitational School Honor Chorus

Conducted by School of Music faculty, this event attracts 300 middle school and high school students for a two-day program that culminates in a public concert. For more information, call Sara Beardsley at 803-777-5369.

Suzuki String Class

Suzuki String Instruction is available for children ages 3 and up in violin and cello through group classes and private lessons. Enrollment in the group lessons is limited to students who are also receiving private Suzuki instruction. Private Suzuki instruction may be from an outside source, or students can register for private Suzuki lessons from the University's Community Music Program. To get more information on registering for private Suzuki instruction, call 803-777-4280 or visit the Suzuki String Web site. For more information on the Suzuki group classes, contact Constance Gee at cgee@mozart.sc.edu.

USC String Project

Since 1974, the USC String Project has represented the ideal model of service-learning. Carolina students refine their teaching skills while mentoring area school children. The project offers large-group beginning classes, small-group second-year classes, three orchestras, and private lessons. School children are charged affordable fees to make it accessible for those who might otherwise not be able to attend. Adult classes are also available. For more information, contact Gail V. Barnes at 803-777-9568; e-mail gbarnes@mozart.sc.edu; or visit the USC String Project Web site.

Summer Programs and Camps

• Carolina Summer Music Conservatory

  The conservatory is designed for advanced high school string students who wish to participate in an intensive weeklong program to improve their individual performance skills. Conservatory activities include master classes with Carolina faculty and other professional musicians, chamber music coaching, and private lessons. Students will also select from a variety of electives, including music history, music theory, how to prepare for and win an audition, and jazz improvisation. There will also be opportunities to rehearse and perform solo works with professional accompanists and attend concerts and recitals given by conservatory faculty members. June 21-27, 2009. For more information, visit the Carolina Summer Music Conservatory Web site.

• The Southeastern Piano Festival

  Aspiring pianists in grades 8-12 receive daily private lessons with University of South Carolina School of Music piano faculty, attend evening concerts performed by internationally renowned concert pianists, participate in master classes with guest artists, and perform in a professional concert setting. The festival culminates with the Arthur Fraser International Concerto Competitions, whose top three winners will perform with the South Carolina Philharmonic in the following season. Guest artists for 2008 include Russian virtuoso Olga Kern, master teachers Douglas Humpherys and Paul Pollei, and rising young piano stars Hong Xu and Eric Zuber. June 7-13, 2009.

  NOTE: Students who participate in this summer program have already been selected through nominations, invitations, and/or auditions. Position yourself for selection in 2009 by visiting the Southeastern Piano Festival Web site . For more information, contact Dr. Marina Lomazov at 803-777-1209 or e-mail mlomazov@mozart.sc.edu.

• String Project Camp

  This camp promotes the excitement of playing a stringed instrument while developing performance skills on the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 6-9, 2009. For more information, call 803-777-9568; e-mail uscsp@mozart.sc.edu; or visit the String Project Web site.

• Summer Drama Conservatory

  The Department of Theatre and Dance is offering a three-week summer acting program dedicated to providing aspiring actors (elementary and high school students) with a rigorous, challenging, and fun training and performance experience. Students will learn age-appropriate skills in acting, movement, and creative expression under the tutelage of the department's award-winning faculty and graduate students in the Graduate Theatre Education Program. The Conservatory is divided into three age divisions:

  • High School (rising 9th through 12th graders)
  • Upper Elementary (rising 4th through 6th graders)
  • Early Elementary (rising 1st through 3rd graders)

  Students will learn and perform in historic Longstreet Theatre. June 8-2, 2009. Class schedules, costs, and the conservatory application can be found online. Or contact Conservatory director Peter Duffy at e-mail duffyp@mailbox.sc.edu.

• Summer Music Camps

  Carolina Bands have sponsored summer music camps for three decades. Students attend from across the country and can choose from Symphonic Band Camp, Symphonic Percussion Camp, Drum Major Camp, or Marching Percussion Camp. While housed on the Carolina campus, students participate in ensemble rehearsals, master classes, private lessons, and special sessions. Guest conductors and teachers make this camp a musically rewarding experience for all performers. June 21-26, 2009. For more information, call the School of Music Band Office at 803-777-4278; e-mail uscband@mozart.sc.edu; or visit the Band Web site.