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South Carolina School of the Arts
Department of Music
Receive World-Class Training
Your professors will be musicians and scholars who are active in the music profession at the regional, national and international levels, who’ve studied at prestigious universities including the University of Miami and the Eastman School of Music, and have performed, conducted and presented clinics at prestigious venues such as the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Alumni of our music program lead thousands into worship, sing in nationally touring musicals, and win top teaching awards for choir direction.
As a student here you’ll have access to these world-class musical artists and be mentored in the highest standards of musicianship.
About the Music Department
Whether your goal is to become a worship leader or high school band instructor, our goal is that you graduate embodying the highest standards of musicianship. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), our music programs consist of three core categories of training three categories of training in addition to a robust core of specialized courses in each degree:
Performance
Receive focused instruction on creative projects
Musicianship Skills
Strengthen your understanding of the tools and techniques used in art and design
Music History & Styles
Discover your creative voice and find your people
As a music student here, you’ll be warmly mentored by highly trained profs who’ve graduated from top conservatories, recorded in Hollywood, and performed internationally. You will also grow in an inspiring environment that regularly hosts master classes and concerts by world-class musicians. Our more than fifteen music ensembles, which perform more than 50 times a year—on campus alone—will help you hone your craft as a musician. And if you’re called to music ministry, there’s no better place to hone your craft, build your theological foundations, and cultivate your leadership and administrative abilities than Anderson University’s Christ-centered community.
Programs
BM in Commercial Music
Performance-based and focused on contemporary styles. Try your hand at songwriting, arranging and conducting
BME in Music Education - Instrumental
We produce musician educators who are as proficient as entry-level professional musicians and teachers
BME in Music Education - Vocal/Choral
We produce musician educators who are as proficient as entry-level professional musicians and teachers
BM in Performance
Designed for musicians who wish to focus their career on performance and creating your own studio
BM in Worship Leadership
Designed for musicians who are called to full-time worship and music ministry
Master of Music in
Music Education
Online program in a collaborative and interactive format to allow you to advance in your career
Ensembles
Here at Anderson University’s South Carolina School of the Arts we offer a variety of choirs and instrumental ensembles ranging in styles, skill levels, and so much more!
Choral Ensembles
Anderson University’s choirs create musical experiences that challenge and nurture students, inspire audiences, and enhance the life of the community. A variety of music, from great choral masterworks to the best of contemporary choral music, meets the needs of our diverse musical community. Choral ensembles from Anderson have performed in such major venues as: Carnegie Hall, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Washington National Cathedral.
All AU students may participate in any choir for which they are qualified. University choir is open to all; just sign up. Women’s Choir and Concert Choir membership is by audition. A limited number of choir members receive choral scholarships.
The Anderson University Choir is open to all students who enjoy singing. The ensemble performs a wide variety of choral music and aims to further develop singers’ vocal technique and musicianship skills. The AU Choir performs on campus, locally, and does not require overnight travel. The ensemble occasionally combines with the university’s other choral ensembles to sing for important university events.
For more information about the Anderson University Choir, contact the director, Laura Ritter, at lritter@andersonuniversity.edu.
A limited number of scholarships are available for selected students. Incoming students who wish to audition for a choral scholarship, please attend one of The South Carolina School of the Arts music audition days the year before you register as a student. If necessary, you may arrange an individual audition time by contacting Dr. Richard A. Williamson at rwilliamson@andersonuniversity.edu.
The Anderson University Women’s Choir is an auditioned choir of treble voices. The group performs on campus and locally and does not require overnight travel. It occasionally combines with the university’s other choral ensembles to sing in convocation or for other important school events. The class focuses on performing a diverse repertoire of choral music, but it also includes training in basic vocal technique and music reading so that students can enjoy making music throughout their lives.
For more information about the Anderson University Choir, contact the director, Laura Ritter, at lritter@andersonuniversity.edu.
A limited number of scholarships are available for selected students. Incoming students who wish to audition for a choral scholarship, please attend one of The South Carolina School of the Arts music audition days the year before you register as a student. If necessary, you may arrange an individual audition time by contacting Dr. Richard A. Williamson at rwilliamson@andersonuniversity.edu.
Anderson’s Concert Choir is a select mixed ensemble whose members are primarily upperclassman music students. Any qualified upperclassman regardless of major may join by audition. Concert Choir focuses on artistic choral literature. The group combines with the university’s other choral ensembles to perform for important campus events and the university’s seasonal and pops shows. In addition, Concert Choir performs in churches and schools in the region once or twice each semester.
To be selected for Concert Choir, students must pass an audition that assesses vocal range and quality, sight-reading ability, and previous experience. Concert Choir meets twice each week under the direction of Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Dr. Richard Williamson. Members are required to make a full-year commitment to the ensemble except in unusual circumstances.
A limited number of scholarships are available for selected students. Incoming students who wish to audition for a choral scholarship, please attend one of The South Carolina School of the Arts music audition days the year before you register as a student. If necessary, you may arrange an individual audition time by contacting Dr. Richard A. Williamson at rwilliamson@andersonuniversity.edu.
The Anderson University Ensemble is a group of approximately 40 voices including both Anderson University students and members from the surrounding communities of Anderson. This course includes the study and performance of traditional and contemporary black gospel music, spirituals, hymns and other church music. The ensemble’s selections may include pop and show tunes, jazz, and blues idioms depending on the audience and occasion. Concerts and musical productions (including theatrical prose, poetry, and dance) are presented on campus and throughout surrounding counties and states. Scholarships are available for selected students.
For more information about the Anderson University Gospel Ensemble or to request an appearance by the ensemble, contact Brandon Groves at 864.221.7300 or bgroves40@yahoo.com.
Instrumental Ensembles
Instrumental ensembles at the South Carolina School of the Arts provide rigorous ensemble training and performance opportunities. Performing musical styles from classical to contemporary.
The ensembles are open to all AU students—regardless of academic major or skill level—whether students want to play for enjoyment or receive more musical training. Auditions may be required to play in certain groups, and merit scholarships are available.
Music should be a part of your life to help make your life better and there is no better training than that offered in an instrumental ensemble. Whether you are pursuing a career as a professional musician or just enjoy playing for fun, being a part of an ensemble teaches discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Members benefit from the opportunity to perform publicly and select students are mentored into paid positions to further develop their skills, such as with churches, schools, marching bands, and even studios.
For more information, contact Dr. Andrew Pettus, Director of Instrumental Activities, at apettus@andersonuniversity.edu or 864.231.2127.
A full symphonic orchestra experience, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra (AS) is a civic orchestra made up of community members of the Anderson area, Anderson University students, and talented high school students. Founded in 1975 by the Greater Anderson Music Arts Consortium (GAMAC), this group has graciously collaborated with Anderson University in partnership with conductor, Dr. Andrew Pettus.
From standard orchestra repertoire to Christmas Music to pops music, this group performs a wide variety of literature in their 3-4 concerts each year. In their spring AU’s Got Talent Concert select Anderson University music students perform concertos and arias with the orchestra.
ASO meets Monday evenings. For students, the course is one credit hour. Auditions are required to join the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. Contact Dr. Andrew Pettus for auditions and ensemble information at apettus@andersonuniversity.edu
Brass Quintet
The brass quintet at Anderson University is comprised of the standard instrumentation: two trumpets, french horn, trombone, and tuba. Directed by Chris Imhoff, this group meets at least once a week to rehearse and performs at the chamber music concert, Anderson University graduation ceremonies, and occasionally other special events.
Horn Ensemble
The horn ensemble is a group of four or more students under the direction of Betsy Myers. This group rehearses at least once per week and performs at chamber music concerts on campus.
If you are interested in joining this ensemble, please contact Betsy Myers at bmyers@andersonuniversity.edu.
Trombone Ensemble
The trombone ensemble is a group is open to all Anderson University students, community members, and regional high school students. Ranging from four to sixteen or more players, this ensemble performs all styles of music – transcriptions from the Renaissance period to today’s music and some music composed specifically for trombone ensemble. Student arrangements or compositions are also performed by this group as well as arrangements by ensemble director Steve Wilson. This group meets once a week and performs primarily at the chamber music concerts on campus. Auditions are not required.
If you are interested in joining this ensemble, please contact Steve Wilson at skwilson@andersonuniversity.edu.
Trumpet Ensemble
The trumpet ensemble, directed by Chris Imhoff, is made up of Anderson University students as well as local high school and community trumpet players. This group ranges from four to thirteen or more performers. This group rehearses at least once a week and performs at the chamber music concerts on campus.
If you are interested in joining this ensemble, please contact Chris Imhoff at cimhoff@andersonuniversity.edu.
To learn more about our trumpet program, click here.
Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble
This low brass ensemble is made up of tuba and euphonium with four or more performers ranging from Anderson University students to high school and community members. Typically, this group meets once a week to rehearse. This group primarily performs at chamber music concerts on campus.
The Guitar Ensemble is a group of five to six students who play classical music and an occasional jazz arrangement. Its repertoire has included works from the early twentieth century Paraguayan classical guitarist and composer Agustín Barrios, transcriptions of piano pieces by Renaissance composer Michael Praetorius, transcriptions of J.S. Bach’s chorales, and Leo Brouwer’s Cuban Landscape with Rain. The ensemble performs for events on campus, such as the Chamber Ensemble Concert as well as off campus in churches and retirement centers.
To audition or join the Guitar Ensemble, contact Johnny Culwell at jculwell@andersonuniversity.edu or contact Dr. David Perry at dperry@andersonuniversity.edu.
The AU Jazz Ensembles perform all styles of jazz music from big band swing to modern styles including funk, rock, R/B, and hip hop. Our programs typically include a mix of music from many styles and eras. The ensembles are open to all AU students, community members, and regional high school students.
The Anderson University Jazz Band or “Day Band” meets twice a week and includes a trumpet section, saxophone section, and rhythm section.
The “Night Band” is a group focused for those with availability later in the day, meeting Wednesday evenings and includes similar instrumentation to the “Day Band.”
The Anderson University Jazz Combo is a small jazz group that shifts in instrumentation depending on participants but has included different variations of vocalists, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, with the standard rhythm section of piano, guitar, bass, and drums. This group performs at local events and various school functions.
These ensembles typically perform one concert per semester – sometimes more.
AU students may enroll in any ensemble. Auditions are typically required for the Day Band (MUP 1292.) Auditions are not required for the Night Band (MUP 1292.) Community members and high school students may contact Steve Wilson skwilson@andersonuniversity.edu to join either ensemble.
This chamber percussion ensemble that generally consists of four to six students focuses on a different genre each year, such as novelty music (rag times), new music, or contemporary world music. Past performances have included works by Bob Becker, Michael Burritt, Danny Clay, Eugene Novotney, Brian Nozny, David Skidmore, Steve Reich, Christopher Rouse, Nebojsa Zivkovic, and many more.
The group meets twice a week during the spring semester and has a diverse membership that ranges from percussion majors to students new to playing percussion. Usually in the first or second week of April, the AU Percussion Ensemble will play host to the annual “Night of Percussion” concert, featuring student performers and the West African Drum and Dance Ensemble.
Scholarships may be available based on the university’s needs and the student’s ability. For questions or information about joining this ensemble, contact Dr. David Perry dperry@andersonuniversity.edu.
The AU Piano Ensemble is a group ranging from three to twelve students and performs a wide variety of classical, contemporary, and popular music including music from film and video games, hymns and worship arrangements, and student compositions. Students are encouraged to select their own repertoire and compose arrangements with the insight of the ensemble director, Dr. Howard Kim.
This group performs on a variety of keyboard instruments including, but not limited to piano, harpsichord, synthesizers, organ, keytar, and keyboards. This instrumental flexibility adds diversity to the piano ensemble’s repertoire. The ensemble meets once a week on Monday evenings, but ensemble members also coordinate additional student-led rehearsals.
In addition to music, the ensemble’s performances include staging and other theatrical elements which both encourage the performer’s growth and engage and delight audiences. The Piano Ensemble often performs in the community at schools, churches, and retirement communities along with campus performances at the annual Festival of Keys concert and the chamber music concerts.
An audition is required to join the piano ensemble demonstrating the ability to play and read piano music. Scholarships are available, depending on the quality of the student’s audition and the needs of the ensemble. If you are interested in joining the piano ensemble, please contact Dr. Howard Kim at hkim@andersonuniversity.edu.
Anderson University’s String Ensemble offers students a chance to hone their musical skills while having fun as part of a group of new friends with similar interests. The String Ensemble is open to both music majors and non-music majors who can read music and have played their instrument for a few years.
About 20 students make up the String Ensemble, which includes violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. They perform several times each semester in Daniel Hall, the highlight a one-hour recital featuring an entire program of string music. At the end of each semester, they combine with the Wind Symphony to create a full orchestra. And it is a tradition for them to play at the First Night Celebration each December and at the university’s April Gala.
The benefits of being part of this group are many. First, students will improve their personal skill level on their instrument. Tips come not only from the director but also from each other in sectionals, which are student-led classes where each section of the Ensemble works on its part. Second, they will get to know a group of students who develop teamwork and camaraderie as they work together with the goal of performing.
For more information about the String Ensemble Department of Music chair Dr. David Perry at dperry@andersonuniversity.edu or 864.231.2076.
The String Quartet is one of the most prominent chamber ensembles in classical music, comprised of the standard instrumentation of two violinists, a violist, and a cellist. The classical music repertoire of the quartets can change each semester—from Medieval or Renaissance to Baroque or Romantic.
The string quartets perform throughout the year at events on campus, such as before the Christmas concert, as well as off campus. In the past, the groups have performed at local schools, community groups, and private functions. While some of these concerts were organized by the university to give back to the community, others were paid performances. The string quartet is hired through the Music Department to perform at events and venues throughout the year, such as at weddings, art galleries, and local churches. These concerts allow ensemble members to be compensated financially for their time and talents.
In addition to performances, students in the string quartet also enjoy mentorship. Participants benefit from the intimate working environment of a smaller ensemble, which allows them to form strong relationships with their coaches and other students.
Participation in the String Quartet is an academic requirement for performance majors, and enrollment is limited to four students per group. The ensemble practices once per week with a coach and once on its own.
The Anderson University West African Ensemble (AU WAE) is honored to share the rich cultural traditions of drumming and dance from Guinea, West Africa to our audiences within the university, community, and region. The AU WAE was founded in 2007, performs two annual concerts, conducts workshops and performances in local schools.
Students in AU WAE have the privilege of working with internationally acclaimed drumming artist Bolokada Conde and regionally acclaimed dance artist Alisa Caldwell in preparation for our performances. Our guest artists provide world-class instruction and inspire us to greater appreciation and enjoyment of this cultural heritage and art form.
Students can join the AU WAE as a class member or club member. No experience is needed, and students may participate as a drummer or dancer. The main requirement for entry is to bring a positive attitude and willingness to work together toward our common goals. The goals of AU WAE are to: Glorify our creative Lord through performance of diverse musics, develop creative capabilities through performing in a diverse musical practice, and develop a broader understanding and appreciation of West African performance practices of the Malinke people groups.
The premiere instrumental ensemble at Anderson University, the Wind Symphony is a large ensemble ranging from 70-90 players. This group performs elite college level wind band music including past performances of Percy Granger’s Lincolnshire Posy, Persichetti’s Symphony for Band and Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis.
This ensemble meets once a week on Tuesday evenings and is a one credit hour course. This ensemble is open to all Anderson University students, especially those with a background in band or orchestra. Auditions are required and potential scholarships are available for non-majors.
For information about auditions or questions about the Wind Symphony, please contact Dr. Andrew Pettus, Director of Instrumental Activities apettus@andersonuniversity.edu.
Flute Ensemble (or Flute Choir)
The flute ensemble is a group of four or more students under the direction of Leah Wilson. The group is comprised of all flutes, including piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute in some cases. This group performs standard flute choir repertoire as well as student and faculty arrangements. Past performances have included Catherine McMichael’s A Gaelic Offering. The flute ensemble meets once a week and is a one credit hour course.
Saxophone Ensemble
Typically taking form as a quartet, the saxophone ensemble typically is comprised of two alto saxophones along with tenor and baritone saxophone. They perform standard repertoire along with student and faculty arrangements. This group typically performs at the chamber music concerts on campus.
Clarinet Ensemble
The clarinet ensemble is a group of four or more students under the direction of Maggie Walters. Along with the typically B flat clarinet, this group also makes some use of E flat soprano alto, bass, and contrabass clarinet. This ensemble meets once a week and performs standard clarinet ensemble repertoire.
Woodwind Quintet
The Woodwind Quintet is a standard, five-player woodwind ensemble featuring a flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon. The quintet’s repertoire includes classical, new, and pop music. This ensemble meets once a week and performs during the chamber music concerts on campus.
Students participating in these ensembles may be eligible for scholarships. Auditions are required for some ensembles and each ensemble class is one credit hour. If you are interested in auditioning for a wind ensemble or would like to learn more, please contact Dr. Andrew Pettus, Director of Instrumental Activities, at apettus@andersonuniversity.edu.
Musician’s Health Resources
The Anderson University Music Department values the health and safety of our faculty, students, staff, and community members. Our concern for your health as musicians is supported by the National Association of Schools of Music, which establishes standards and provides resources on the maintenance of hearing, vocal, and musculoskeletal health and injury prevention. In addition to this webpage and accompanying links, information on musician’s health is provided in Music Department syllabi and course documents, and presented in ongoing workshops and seminars.
Hearing Health
Research tells us that exposure to loud volumes of sound over extended periods of time will lead to hearing loss. Recommendations for reducing risks include keeping volume of sound below 85 decibels, and using ear plugs that reduce volume while retaining quality of sound over the spectrum of hearing. Two important things to remember:
The longer you are exposed to a loud noise, the greater the potential for hearing loss
The closer you are to the source of a loud noise, the greater the risk that you’ll experience some damage to your hearing mechanisms
Vocal Health
Vocal health is important for all musicians and essential to lifelong success for singers. Understanding basic care of the voice is essential for musicians who speak, sing, and rehearse or teach others. Musicians can maintain vocal health by mindful application of the following principles:
Sufficient warm-up time is important
Begin warming up mid-range, and then slowly work outward to vocal pitch extremes mechanisms
Proper alignment, adequate breath support, and correct physical technique are essential
Regular breaks during practice and rehearsal are vital in order to prevent undue physical or vocal stress and strain
It is important to set a reasonable limit on the amount of time that you will practice in a day
Avoid sudden increases in practice times
Know your voice and its limits, and avoid overdoing it or misusing it
Maintain healthy habits
Safeguard your physical and mental health
Drink plenty of water in order to keep your vocal folds adequately lubricated
Limit your use of alcohol and avoid smoking
Neuromusculoskeletal Health
As musicians, it’s vital that you protect your neuromusculoskeletal health whenever possible. Here are some simple steps you can take:
When possible, avoid situations that put your neuromusculoskeletal health at risk
Refrain from behaviors that could compromise your neuromusculoskeletal health and the health of others
Refrain from behaviors that could compromise your neuromusculoskeletal health and the health of others
Warm up before you practice and perform
Take regular breaks from practice and rehearsal. A good rule of thumb is a 5-minute rest every half hour
Limit excessive practice time
Avoid excessive repetition of difficult music, especially if progress is slow
Insomuch as possible, avoid playing and/or singing music that is beyond your physical abilities or outside your natural range
Refrain from sudden increases in practice and playing time
Maintain good posture in life and when you practice and perform music. Be mindful of alignment, balance, and weight distribution
Use external support mechanisms, such as shoulder rests, neck straps, and flute crutches, when necessary
Maintain good “mental hygiene.” Get adequate sleep, good nutrition, and regular exercise
Refrain from recreational drug use, excessive alcohol use, and smoking
Do your best to limit and control stressors. Plan ahead
Give yourself time to relax
Faculty
Concert & Recital Series
Throughout the academic year, the music department at The South Carolina School of the Arts hosts a multitude of concerts and recitals for you to attend!
January 2025
Freshman-Sophomore Sing!
January 24 at 7:30 pm
Daniel Recital Hall
February 2025
Festival of Keys Concert
February 14 at 7:30 pm
February 15 at 3:00 pm (Matinee)
Henderson Auditorium
HerStory: Deirdre Welborn, soprano
February 28 at 7:30 pm
Daniel Recital Hall
March 2025
ASO: Anderson’s Got Talent Concert
March 2 at 3:00 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Wind Symphony Concert
March 5 at 7:30 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Anderson Senior Follies (paid ticketed event)
March 13-14 at 7:30 pm
March 15 at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm
March 16 at 2:30 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Vocal Masterworks Concert (free ticketed event)
March 21 at 6:30 pm
Daniel Recital Hall
String Ensemble Concert
March 23 at 3:00 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Guest Artist Recital: Eunjung Choi, piano
March 24 at 7:30 pm
Daniel Recital Hall
Women Composers Concert
March 26 at 7:30 pm
Daniel Recital Hall
Spring Choral Concert
March 28 at 7:30 pm
Henderson Auditorium
AUthenticity Concert
March 29 at 7:00 pm
Henderson Auditorium
April 2025
Night of Percussion Concert
April 2 at 7:30 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Gospel Choir Concert
April 5 at 6:00 pm
Henderson Auditorium
President’s Gala Concert (paid ticketed event)
April 11-12 at 8:00 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Commercial Music Concert I
April 16 at 7:30 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Chamber Ensemble Concert I
April 22 at 7:30 pm
Daniel Recital Hall
Commercial Music Concert II
April 23 at 7:30 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Chamber Ensemble Concert II
April 24 at 7:30 pm
Daniel Recital Hall
Anderson Soiree: Music Alumni
April 25 at 5:00-10:00 pm
Downtown Anderson
Anderson Soiree: Commercial Music Bands
April 26 at 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Downtown Anderson
Jazz Concert
April 30 at 7:30 pm
Henderson Auditorium
May 2025
ASO Concert
May 4 at 3:00 pm
Henderson Auditorium
Summer Choir and Vocal Camp
For Rising 9th through 12th graders, have fun making music with others who love singing while you grow your own musical abilities. Work directly with primary AU voice and choral faculty. Develop skills and knowledge in: Ensemble singing, vocal technique, musicianship.
