The University of South Carolina School of Music is using its art to foster collectiveness in this unprecedented time of isolation. Music has the power to bring people together by bridging socioeconomic and cultural boundaries. Together, the students, faculty and staff are going beyond the concert hall to create purpose-driven concerts and events in the community and utilizing music as the bridge to:

• Unite Communities
• Amplify Voices
• Celebrate Heroes
• Spur Our Future

These four “bridges” have been identified as some of our own distances that need reevaluating and rebuilding both internally and within our field as we grow collectively with society at large. In the midst of a global pandemic and in addition to the social inequality experienced by so many, music continues to be a necessary balm that unites by Bridging Our Distances.   

The First of many events to be held in 2021 is:

University of South Carolina School of Music presents a webinar at the National Association of Music Merchants Global Gathering, 'Believe in Music Week' under the category of Music in Social Justice.
Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Topic:
Music and the Public Good – Bridging Our Distances

Speakers:
Tayloe Harding, dean of UofSC School of Music 
Claire Bryant, assistant professor of cello & director of Bridging Our Distances
Jamaal Nicholas, graduate assistant to UofSC Bands
Blair Mothersbaugh, graduate assistant to music entrepreneurship program

The University of South Carolina School of Music community responds to today's public health and social justice challenges with an initiative to reinvigorate our purpose as artist-citizens within and beyond the concert hall called Bridging our Distances. Members of the university community will share their intentions, strategies, actions and outcomes for creating musical experiences for the public good through uniting our communities, amplifying voices, celebrating heroes and spurring our future.

The webinar is free and open to the public. You must first register for Believe in Music Week in order to access the session.

What is Believe in Music Week?

Believe in Music Week is the global gathering to unify and support the people who bring music to the world.

The online celebration, to be held over the week of Jan. 18 will feature a mix of comprehensive programming and professional education at BelieveinMusic.tv, as well as an interactive marketplace to connect buyers and sellers – all designed to elevate the innovation and inspiration found across the industry while offering support for those most deeply affected by COVID. The event will also offer live music, content and product discovery for all who believe in music, helping connect music makers and enthusiasts across the world.

What is NAMM?

Founded in 1901, NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) has a mission to strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. Through interactive trade shows, quality memberships and professional development opportunities, NAMM helps the industry strengthen market development and the music industry's global impact. Learn more about NAMM.