An initiative to reinvigorate our purpose as artist-citizens within and beyond the concert hall
Bridging Our Distances, is an initiative imagined by the faculty and student leaders of the School of Music at the University of South Carolina.
“As an integral part of its ongoing dedication to fulfill its vision as the nation’s model public music school, the UofSC School of Music is proud to conceive and present the Bridging Our Distances Initiative," said Tayloe Harding, School of Music Dean. "This unique initiative is planned to be a series of music performance and educational events that are presented for our community and beyond where four 2020-concerned principles are observed… 1. a reuniting of our communities through the isolation of the pandemic, 2. the amplification of voices not heard as often as they should be due to marginalization or systemic intolerance, 3. a bridge to the future we must plan and execute to prepare tomorrow's musicians and musician-citizens for their world, and 4. a celebration of our communities' heroes at a time in our lives when such celebration is the most critical way we affirm our love for another. The faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the School of Music take very seriously our devotion to and investment in this plan for our society and are proud to envision and deliver the Bridging Our Distances Initiative to actualize this commitment.”
Unite Communities - Bridge 1
As a response to the challenges we face together during times of a public health and social justice crisis, we commit to actively sharing music with a wider cross-section of society, transcending the traditional concert hall, aiming to repair, strengthen and unite the communities in which we live.
Amplify Voices - Bridge 2
We commit to programming music that amplifies underrepresented voices. Our intention is to promote equity in our field while championing the diversity of global and American musics as well as the distinct sounds from our home in Carolina.
Celebrate Heroes - Bridge 3
We commit to celebrating the unsung heroes who selflessly place themselves on the frontlines of the pandemic, and recognize and honor the vital workers in our society who are often overlooked and left feeling unappreciated.
Spur Our Future - Bridge 4
We commit to spurring forward into the future by activating an array of possibilities rather than relying on past assumptions. What new territories can we explore that will empower us and our students to unite, amplify, and celebrate through music?
Check out Bridging Our Distances web pages for more events.
PLAY YOUR PART - VOTE!
Be a part of the great American song of Democracy!
Friday, October 30
11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Greene Street in front of Russell House (face coverings and social distancing required)
Student ensembles and solo music students use music to encourage participation in democracy. Join the School of Music on Greene Street for pop-up concerts throughout the day celebrating the right to let our voices be heard. Enjoy the music. Play your part. Vote!
Southern Exposure New Music Series presents
Glory: A Tribute to Richard Greener with works by Valerie Coleman and Jeff Scott
Sunday, November 1
3:00 p.m. Russell House Patio Stage
Season patrons receive registration priority
Free / limited audience / reservations required
Sign-up link for tickets here. (limit 2 per person)
The audience will be required to wear face coverings.
The performance will be live-streamed at The School of Music Channel.
UofSC music faculty and special guests perform works originally commissioned for the
2018 unveiling of the Cooper Library statue dedicated to Richard T. Greener. Greener
was the university’s first African American professor, the first Black graduate of
Harvard, Dean of the Howard University Law School, and served as a diplomat in Vladivostok,
Russia, among his many accomplishments. “Glory,” by Valerie Coleman (Performance Today’s
2020 “Classical Woman of the Year”) and “A Pioneer’s Opus,” by Jeff Scott, celebrate
Greener’s life and legacy, setting his own words, original poetry and Langston Hughes’
“Let American be America Again.” Featured artists are Columbia baritone Kendrick Williams
and narrator Isaiah Hogue. Greener’s biographer Katherine Reynolds Chaddock, author
of Uncompromising Activist: Richard Greener, First Black Graduate of Harvard College,
will give a short talk to open the concert.
The Program
Opening Remarks by Katherine Chaddock
A Pioneer’s Opus (2018) by Jeff Scott
Glory (2018) by Valerie Coleman
The Performers
Ari Streisfeld and William Terwilliger, violins; Daniel Sweaney, viola; Claire Bryant, cello; Craig Butterfield, bass; Jennifer Parker-Harley, flute; Rebecca Schalk Nagel, oboe; Joseph Eller, clarinet; Dakota Corbliss, French horn; Michael Harley, bassoon; Kendrick Williams, baritone; Isaiah Hogue, narrator. Conducted by Jabarie Glass.