School of Music

2023 News Archive

2023 Scholarship Donor Luncheon

On Sunday, December 3 we held our annual Scholarship Donor Luncheon bringing together our generous donors with their scholarship recipients, affording the students an opportunity to personally thank donors while getting to know one another.

A Taste of the Very Best of What We Do

The Friends of the School of Music are pleased to announce tickets are now on sale for its upcoming Musical Feast on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Koger Center for the Arts.

Guitar Professor Mak Grgic Wins InnoVision Education Award for Music App

University of South Carolina Assistant Professor of Guitar Mak Grgić's newly released AI-based music education app receives InnoVision Award in Education.

Harmonizing Art and Entrepreneurship: The Eric Duncan Legacy

The Duncan Endowment for Student Composers is evidence of the enduring commitment of Eric Duncan, a 1995 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Music. This initiative annually supports the recording of new compositions by USC graduate and undergraduate composition students.

USC Concert Choir Selected for National Conference in Atlanta

The USC Concert Choir has been selected to perform for the 2023 biennial conference of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO).

USC School of Music Forms Armed Services Veterans Band

Military service members and veterans in the Midlands now have a unique opportunity to make music with their peers.

Music Alumna Receives Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Rebecca Krynski Cox (BM, Opera, '09) has been named University of South Carolina Alumni Association's 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni. Each year the Alumni Association honors the best and brightest alumni and friends of the university for their service, integrity, character and leadership.

From CAE to NYC

Start spreadin' the news.... For the first time in its history, "the musical magic of the Carolina Band" will fill the air with music in New York City next year when they perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

The Next Generation of Development Professionals

Four USC School of Music alumnae have been hired to serve as the next generation of development professionals at Carolina.

Keri McCort Takes the Lead

USC instrumental music education major Keri McCourt is Phantom Regiment's new drum major.

Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina - A Year in Review

Throughout the academic year, Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina contributes to the lively ecosystem at the USC School of Music by preparing USC music students for vibrant and sustainable futures and empowering the creative endeavors of students, faculty and staff. Join us as we look back on the 2022-2023 academic year to celebrate how Spark engaged and supported the School of Music community.

School of Music Doctoral Student brings Song to Still Hopes

Still Hopes retirement community is partnering with the University of South Carolina School of Music to give the residents a chance to sing, and a hand-picked doctoral student the opportunity to educate and inspire a generation.

School of Music Spring 2023 Awards Day

The University of South Carolina School of Music is proud to celebrate the service, scholarship, leadership and character of our outstanding student community each spring.

Saxophone Students 'Hang' at Biennial Conference

Faculty and student saxophonists from across the continent gathered at the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Biennial conference at the University of Southern Mississippi during Spring Semester.

Legendary Rock Gods Find a Home at USC

The University of South Carolina School of Music Library is now able to Rock and Roll All Nite, thanks to a generous donation of KISS memorabilia. The Downs Family of Charleston recently gifted a collection of 26 guitars, original artwork by guitarist Paul Stanley, costumes, signed photographs and other artifacts from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy-winning band.

USC Concert Choir Shares Stage with Rock Legends

The University of South Carolina Concert Choir sing backup to the Grammy-winning Eagles on their song "The Last Resort" during the rock legends' Hotel California March 30 concert at the Colonial Life Center.

Final Four Madness: The Carolina Pep Band Strikes a Chord in Dallas

Dr. Quintus Wrighten, Jr. '05, Assistant Director of USC Bands and Associate Director of the Carolina Band, led the 29-member Pep Band to Dallas to bring music, energy and spirit to the NCAA Women's Final Four Basketball Tournament.

Concert Raises Money for Relief Efforts in Turkey

Some Strings Attached, a chamber ensemble of current graduate students at University of South Carolina, organized a benefit concert in March to aid people in Turkey affected by devastating earthquakes.

Brittons Bands Together

Two Columbia staples, Brittons of Columbia and The Carolina Band, will be joining forces to fundraise for The Mighty Sound of the Southeast leading up to the Spring Game.

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.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.