Youth orchestra and Dreher High School singers will perform a free outdoor concert to support music education.
COLUMBIA – Members of the South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (SCPYO) will perform a free pops concert from the front porch of a Shandon home Nov. 8, bringing neighbors together for an evening of music while raising funds for the youth orchestra.
Now in its second year, Porch of Gratitude is a candlelit community event created by Dia Dooley, a parent of an SCPYO musician.
“When we learned cuts to arts funding were hitting SCPYO, my daughter Madi and a few of her fellow youth Philharmonic musicians offered to play a candlelight concert on our front porch to help raise funds,” Dooley said.
“More than a hundred Shandon neighbors showed up, and the question we’ve heard from our neighbors ever since is, ‘When is the next one?’ It was a truly magical and memorable night for our family and the participating musicians, and we can’t wait for the next one on Nov. 8.”
Last year’s concert, titled Porch of Hope, drew a large audience and raised approximately $1,600 for the orchestra.
Founded in 1964, the SCPYO provides students with high-quality music education, opportunities to develop a lifelong passion for music, a diverse community of fellow musicians and opportunities to share their talents through symphonic performances.
“A student-driven fundraiser gives our young musicians a chance to take ownership of SCPYO, share their music with the community, and help support the program they are part of,” said Susan Cafferty, the South Carolina Philharmonic’s education and community outreach director.
“It’s a great way for students to see that their involvement really matters. We prioritize access for all students and are reliant on donors, corporate sponsorships and grants funding to keep tuition low and to offer scholarships as well.”
This year’s concert will feature the Dreher High School Choral Scholars, who will provide vocal accompaniment to the orchestra’s arrangements of popular hits by artists including Coldplay, ABBA and The Verve.
Admission is free, and donations to the SCPYO will be accepted throughout the evening. The concert is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 2824 Blossom St. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for seating. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be rescheduled.
For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, visit SCPhilharmonic.com.
