HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Inside a packed Watson Theater at Coker College, 249 student-musicians from across the Darlington County School District (DCSD) participated in the All-County Music Festival on Jan. 11.
The students study in several programs such as choral music, band and strings. A music instructor nominated each student based on musical knowledge, showmanship and talent. Participating students came from middle and high schools.
"I am extremely proud of our students on their performance this year,” said Marisa Johnson, DCSD’s coordinator of Arts and Innovative Programs. “We have so many talented students in Darlington County, and this festival highlights our brightest musicians. Their performance is proof that the arts matter in a child's life. The music instructors are to be commended for all of their hard work in preparing their students for this event."
The purpose of the All-County Music Festival is to broaden the music education of Darlington County students while providing opportunities for more advanced training in instrumental and vocal music through clinical study and performance. The annual festival provides students a chance to receive in-depth music instruction from guest clinicians, who are experts in their chosen music field.
Dr. Jerron Jorgensen, vocal music, and Leah Cordé, instrumental music, graciously served as guest clinicians.
Jorgensen is an assistant professor of voice and coordinator of vocal studies at Coker College. Jorgensen holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from The Hartt School, a Master of Music in Voice Performance from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Voice from South Dakota State University. His résumé includes professional work as a soloist, chorister, director, teacher and arranger.
Cordé is in her 20th year of teaching and 12th year as director of bands at Kelly Mill Middle School in Blythewood. She holds a Master of Music with an emphasis in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of South Carolina. She currently serves as president of the South Carolina Band Directors Association and serves on the executive board of the South Carolina Music Educators Association.
DCSD’s very own Cole Davis, director of band and chorus at Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology, and Jordan Jefferson from Clarendon County School District 2 served as middle school clinicians. Cameron Watkins, director of bands for Hartsville High School, coordinated the event.