What’s the best way to kick off your fall semester as a Music Industries Student at the USC School of Music? Hanging out with Hootie, of course!
Thursday, August 29, four students from the MIS program experienced the opportunity of a lifetime by meeting with members of the band Hootie & the Blowfish. Led by Dean Tayloe Harding and Director of Music Industry Studies Jeremy Polley, the students met members of the band as part of a meet-and-greet prior to their concert at Colonial Life Arena.
This meeting was all part of a unique relationship built with the band and drummer Jim Sonefeld. In February of 2024, Jim met with members of the School of Music development team to forge a partnership with the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation in support of a brand-new MIS program called Hands-On-Harmonies.
Headed up by Jeremy Polley and his students, the Hands-On-Harmonies program will share the excitement of music with students in underserved areas of South Carolina by introducing them to rock and pop instruments. Students will play and learn about guitars, keyboards, amps and much more. They will also have the chance to sign up for individual instruction to further develop their interest in these instruments and music.
MIS student Daphne DeSena talked about how inspiring Hootie & the Blowfish have been to many bands in Columbia. “It was great to meet the group that paved the way for so much of the music making that happens in our city,” she said. “We are excited to receive the grant from the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, which will help us share our love of music to students that may not have the opportunity to play otherwise.”
MIS students spent time talking with Hootie & the Blowfish guitarist Mark Bryan and bassist Dean Felber, along with drummer Jim Sonefeld. After a photo opportunity, the students were able to stay and watch the band go through their sound check routine.
The Music Industries Studies program is the fastest-growing major at the USC School of Music. Students learn event management, sound design, engineering, recording, mixing and more. For more information about the MIS program, click here.