Immersive S.C. Phil outreach program to debut in Irmo
Ready for some music in your neighborhood?
Earlier in the week, they were announced among the 2024 recipients of the S.C. Governor’s Awards for the Arts in large part for things like what was announced yesterday: another groundbreaking community-based arts program.
In April, the South Carolina Philharmonic is to debut Music in My Neighborhood, a new immersive community program that intends to take a week of free ensemble performances, educational programs, and unique collaborations to a Midlands neighborhood every year.
The inaugural Music in My Neighborhood program will head west on I-26 to Irmo April 8-13, 2024. The program will culminate in a free full-orchestra concert at the Irmo Amphitheatre on April 13 at 3 p.m. This project was supported by a Connected Communities Grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation and is also funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
“The Music in My Neighborhood initiative centers around providing live music experiences in a variety of spaces for diverse audiences,” Education and Community Outreach Director Susan Cafferty said. “The SC Phil believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy high-quality live music experiences; therefore, all the performances will be inclusive, accessible and free.”
Members of the orchestra and staff work closely with local partners to develop inclusive educational outreach programs to fill the needs of the Midlands community. In concert with expanding the orchestra’s impact outside of the Koger Center, Music in My Neighborhood answers the call as one of the most ambitious community outreach programs devised by the organization in the 21st century.
“Supporting school districts, music teachers and music students is one of the foundational values of the SC Phil,” Cafferty continued. “During Music in My Neighborhood week, our musicians will visit schools both performing and engaging with students of all ages. The teachers are working with our organization to provide educational programs that will enhance and supplement classroom instruction. These students are our future SC Phil musicians, audiences, board members and patrons.”
In concert with the organization’s dedication to deepening educational opportunities, the program is strategically designed to serve the community at large. “The South Carolina Philharmonic has been recognized locally, and has even presented nationally about our unwavering commitment to providing accessible programming for everyone,” Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger said “We take immense pride in remaining steadfast with our mission to enrich the lives of individuals across our community with the transformative power of symphonic music.”