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.
*COVID-19 UPDATE: If you a current LBYSE member, please watch your email for possible updates to our May schedule depending on the status of COVID-19.*
The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble meets Sunday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. at Myrtle Beach High School according to the schedule below. Rehearsals will begin in mid-January for our Spring concert. New students are welcome to join through the beginning of February!
Our Spring 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, peer mentoring, and ensemble performance skills. The group will perform a free public concert at the end of each semester.
Tuition is $80 for the Spring semester (tuition is waived for paid members of LBYS). A limited number of full or partial scholarships are available based on need. We encourage all interested students to REGISTER BELOW or contact LBYSE manager Deanne Renshaw at drenshaw@longbaysymphony.com for more information!
Youth String Ensemble Director
Chad Hammer (cellist) is a musician and educator living in Sunset Beach, NC, who performs and teaches throughout the region. Originally from Greensboro, NC, he has been fortunate enough to live, learn, and work in a wide variety of places all over the country. Chad received his Bachelors in Music Performance from the University of Nevada-Reno and his Masters in Music Performance from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College in New York. He has held teaching positions in New York City, Portland, OR, and is currently the Orchestra Director at Ten Oaks Middle School in Myrtle Beach, SC and Cello Instructor at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. Professionally he has recorded with a wide range of artists and also released two albums with his own band, Lucinda Black Bear. Chad has performed with artists from all genres including Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Itzhak Perlman, and Luciano Pavarotti. He is currently a cellist with the Long Bay Symphony, the Coastal Chamber Players, and performs regularly throughout the region.
