Anderson University hosted All County Band, where the best instrumental students from seven Anderson County schools were selected to take part in rehearsals and workshops with Dr. Andrew Pettus of the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University and Maggie Walters, middle school director at Riverside Middle School in Anderson.
The weekend event in January culminated in a concert featuring both students and band directors. About 600 middle and high school students participated in auditions.
The South Carolina School of the Arts also hosts festivals sponsored by the South Carolina Music Educators Association.
According to Dr. David Perry, chair of the music department, hosting such events has been a vision of Dr. Pettus, who is professor of music and director of instrumental activities. Dr. Perry added that the South Carolina School of the Arts also hosts festivals that are sponsored by the South Carolina Music Educators Association and include South Carolina School of the Arts faculty as well as guest conductors.
Also performing during the event was the Directors Jazz Band, a group of faculty musicians put together by Steven Wilson, an adjunct music professor and trombonist for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.
“It really is an encouraging and inspiring experience for these students. Dr. Pettus just has this gift for bringing out the real feeling of music, the emotion and power of that music and what it’s trying to say,” Dr. Perry said.
The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University trains professional visual, musical and theatrical artists who are serious about both their art and Christian faith. Staffed by highly trained and world-class artists, musicians, actors, dancers, theatrical designers and scholars, The South Carolina School of the Arts mentors students to develop their artistry to its fullest potential so they may thrive professionally and serve others through the arts.