We are thrilled to introduce the newly-launched Long Bay Youth String Ensemble (LBYSE), which is a second youth orchestra offering within the Long Bay Symphony organization, directed by Mr. Chad Hammer, Orchestra Director at Ten Oaks Middle School and Cello Instructor at Coastal Carolina University.
The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble will meet Sunday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. at Myrtle Beach High School. Rehearsals began in mid-October for our Winter concert, and resume again in January for our Spring concert in May.
Our Fall Schedule is as follows:
Auditions are NOT required for participation, however, students must make a commitment to attend rehearsals and maintain a positive attitude towards learning.
Membership will be open to all student string players with a year or more experience on their instrument. A strong focus will be placed on technique, string repertoire, musicianship, and ensemble performance skills. The group will perform a free public concert at the end of each semester.
We encourage all interested students to register below or contact LBYSE manager Deanne Renshaw at drenshaw@longbaysymphony.com for more information!
Youth String Emsemble Director
Chad Hammer’s passion is using music, and the arts in general, to enrich the lives of the community through outreach, education, and performance. Originally hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Chad earned his bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Nevada-Reno and his masters in Cello Performance from SUNY Purchase. He current serves as the Orchestra Director at Ten Oaks Middle School in Carolina Forest and teaches at Coastal Carolina University.
In addition to his time as an educator, Chad has worked as freelance performer/recording artist for more than 20 years. His performance highlights include performing with Itzhak Perlman, Luciano Pavarotti, Smokey Robinson, and Ray Charles. Some of his most recent recordings were with acclaimed hip hop artist Talib Kweli, appeareing on the album “Idle Warship” and serving as the string arranger for his solo album “Prisoner of Conscious” which was released in 2013.
