Continuing the conversation
The final chapter of this project involves a facilitated conversation around community issues. At a time when so many of us feel isolated and divided, this presents a rare opportunity to learn about the experiences, frustrations, and desires of diverse neighbors. Beyond Socratic discussion, heroes will reflect on priorities while listening to live music at one point.
“As hard as it has been, it would be a shame to write off this period as a wasted year,” reflected program director David Cutler. “The power of our music and visioning achieved something nobody else could. Learning from these amazing neighbors has left us inspired, energized, and optimistic about the future.”
As COVID-19 forced communities to shut down...
... some neighbors suddenly found themselves on the front lines of a public health disaster. Whether out of necessity or a sense of duty, these essential workers kept showing up, despite often little recognition and great personal risk. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
To recognize and better understand the challenges confronting these champions, the University of South Carolina School of Music is hosting Concert Truck Community Heroes. Pairing ten local heroes with ten music ensembles and ten composers, a series of public events and vignette videos will pay tribute while providing a better understanding of their sacrifice, courage, and determination.
Events take place on The Concert Truck, a mobile music venue that strengthens communities and fosters a more inclusive,
empathetic world by redefining the modern concert hall and making classical music
accessible to all.
Celebrating 10 Community Heroes
with The Concert Truck
These community concert series celebrated 10 heroes whose courage and sacrifice has
help get us through the pandemic.
Celebrating:
Click the images to watch the heroe's video
-
Custodial Workers
Edward Langford
-
Mental Health Care Workers
Deniece Chi
-
Restaurant Employees
Greg Padgett
-
Nurses
Ma Helena Tupas
-
Delivery Drivers
Tim Glenn
-
Doctors
Brenna Brucker
-
Teachers
Lisa Rayner
-
Artists
Michaela Pilar Brown
-
Grocery Workers
Kaitlin Dia
-
Emergency Medical Technicians
Andrew Fowler
The Concert Truck concert locations:
10 a.m. March 24, 2021
Still Hopes Retirement Community
1 Still Hopes Drrive | West Columbia, SC 29169
Featuring:
Hero: Edward Langford
Speaker: Leroy Sims, UofSC Custodial Services
Ensemble: Lampyris Quartet and Shepard Piano Trio
UofSC Composer: Ryan Williams
2 p.m. March 24, 2021
NAMI South Carolina, Brawley Building
1735 St. Julian Place | Columbia, SC 29204
Featuring:
Hero: Deniece Chi, NAMI SC
Speaker: Bill Lindsey, NAMI SC
UofSC Ensemble: UofSC Percussion Ensemble
UofSC Composer: Michael Calamas
6 p.m. March 24, 2021
City Market
705 Gervais St. | Columbia, SC 29201
Featuring:
Hero: Greg Padgett, smallSUGAR
Speaker: Drew Hampton, Cypress Management Group
UofSC Ensemble: Westover Winds
UofSC Composer: Thomas Palmer
2pm March 25, 2021
Prisma Health Midlands Foundation
1600 Marion St. | Columbia, SC 29201
Featuring:
Hero: Ma Helena Tupas, Prisma Health
Speaker: Michelle Logan-Owens, McLeod Regional Medical Center
UofSC Ensemble: New Sounds String Quartet
UofSC Composer: Rachelle Armstead
6 p.m. March 25, 2021
XPO Logistics
1941 Old Dunbar Road | West Columbia, SC 29172
Featuring:
Hero: Tim Glenn, XPO Logistics
Speaker: Chris Dimock, XPO Logistics
Paired Ensemble: Spark Collective
Paired Composer: Grace Shepard
10 a.m. March 26
Lexington Medical Center Serenity Garden
2720 Sunset Blvd. | West Columbia, SC 29169
Featuring:
Hero: Brenna Brucker, Lexington Medical Center
Speaker: Ricky Pyke, Lexington Medical Center
UofSC Ensemble: Bruits
UofSC Composer: Jesse Kaiser
2 p.m. March 26, 2021
Pontiac Elementary School
500 Spears Creek Church Road | Elgin, SC 29045
Featuring:
Hero: Lisa Rayner, Pontiac Elementary School
Speaker: Marshalynn Franklin, Richland School District 2
UofSC Ensemble: Duende
UofSC Composer: Andrew Gretzinger
2 p.m. March 27, 2021
Boyd Plaza (in front of Columbia Museum of Art )
1515 Main St. | Columbia, SC 29201
Featuring:
Hero: Michaela Pilar Brown, 701 Center for Contemporary Art
Speaker: Lee Snelgrove, One Columbia
UofSC Ensemble: Shepard Piano
UofSC Composer: Alex Wroten
2 p.m. March 28, 2021
Lowes Foods of Forest Acres
4711 Forest Drive | Columbia, SC 29206
Featuring:
Hero: Kaitlin Dia, Lowes Foods of Forest Acres
Speaker: Rebecca Leach, SC Retail Association
UofSC Ensemble: Cor4
UofSC Composer: Hunter Vowell
6 p.m. March 28, 2021
First Responders Remembrance Memorial
1101 Lincoln St. | Columbia, SC 29201
Featuring:
Hero: Andrew Fowler, Richland County EMS
Speaker: Winta Adams, Richland County EMS
UofSC Ensemble: Left Bank Combo
UofSC Composer: Lucas Bohn
7 p.m. March 29, 2021
Univeristy of South Carolina Horseshoe
Columbia, SC 29201
Sponsored and presented by the University of South Carolina School of Music, this outdoor, socially distanced concert features multiple musical acts performing on The Concert Truck UofSC President Bob Caslen, and hero videos with accompaniment by UofSC musicians.
Watch Live on YouTube