OCSD Arts October 2023

O C S D A R T S

Table of Content

Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation Grant

Golden ESSENCE Percussion Band

Marshall Elementary Magnet Program

Summer Arts

District Honor Band

SCEA Read Across America Art Contest

EHS Students to Attend SC Governor’s School

Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School Arts Programs

Carver-Edisto Middle School Young Actors

At Orangeburg County School District, we firmly believe that education is not just about imparting knowledge and skills; it’s about nurturing the entire individual. We are committed to empowering our students to discover their Person, Purpose, and Platform, thereby preparing them not only for academic success but also for personal growth and success in life. In our district, we understand that education encompasses more than just textbooks and exams; it involves cultivating a student’s potential holistically, and that’s exactly what we do.

Arts and Culture

The arts play a vital role in developing creativity and self-expression. We offer a wide range of arts programs, including music, drama, and visual arts, to help students find their unique creative voices.

Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation Grant

In the world of music, the band Hootie & the Blowfish has long been known for their chart-topping hits and infectious melodies. However, beyond the stage and studio, the band members—Darius Rucker, Jim “Soni” Sonefield, Dean Felber, and Mark Bryan—have been making a significant impact in their home state of South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation.

A Musical Legacy of Giving Back

Established in 2000, the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation was created to build an endowment that would support charities both in South Carolina and across the nation. For over two decades, the Foundation has been a beacon of hope and support, partnering with the Central Carolina Community Foundation to administer the grant process.

What sets this foundation apart is not just its commitment to philanthropy but its close ties to the community that raised these rock stars. Darius Rucker and his bandmates have embraced their careers and have been determined to give back to the place they call home.

A Melodic Note for Education

Among the recent recipients of the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation’s benevolence is the Orangeburg County School District. The South Carolina Arts Commission has approved a grant of $25,000.00 for the district’s FY23 Education - District Arts Support initiative.

The purpose of this grant is clear: to bolster school districts dedicated to implementing standards-based arts curricula and integrating the arts into their core curriculum and daily classroom instruction. The impact of such a grant extends far beyond the classroom, fostering creativity, imagination, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among students.

Golden ESSENCE

In the world of high school percussion ensembles, one team has proven that hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for music can lead to incredible achievements. Edisto High School’s Golden Essence Percussion, affectionately known as the Golden Essence Drumline, recently clinched the coveted 1st place in the PSN category at the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) Winter Ensembles Championships. In this article, we celebrate their remarkable journey to becoming state champions and the talented individuals who made it possible.

The path to the SCBDA Winter Ensemble Championships was paved with sweat, commitment, and the melodious rhythms of Edisto’s Golden Essence Percussion. Under the expert guidance of their dedicated director, Dr. Ophelia Darby, the ensemble embarked on an arduous journey that demanded nothing short of perfection. From countless hours of rehearsals to fine-tuning of their routines, the drumline’s dedication was evident from the very beginning.

ESSENCE Percussion

A WINNING LINEUP

This talented group of musicians hails from both Edisto High School and Carver-Edisto Middle School. Together, they form a tightly-knit ensemble that embodies the spirit of collaboration. The members of this championship-winning lineup include:

Carver-Edisto Middle School

Karmalyssa Berry

Jayden Dash

Edisto High School

Khristian Sprinkle

Zion Phelps

Antonio Brooks

Trejion Hart

Travion Dash

Keymyra Robinson

Elijah Brown

Ethan Hughes

X’ Zyria Goodwin

Valaura Berry

Orion William-Gasch

Braxtyn Nettles

Carmen Williams

These talented individuals represent a diverse range of musical talents, backgrounds, and experiences, and together, they create a harmonious symphony of sound.

Harmony and Excellence

Marshall Elementary School Taking on the Arts

In the heart of our community, Marshall Elementary School is proving that education is not just about textbooks and tests but also about nurturing the creative spirit within each child. With a remarkable emphasis on the arts, including a thriving drumline and the innovative STAGE Arts Magnet Academy (Student’s Taking on the Arts and Gifted Education), this school is truly excelling in the arts and paving the way for young talents to shine.

At Marshall Elementary School, the beat goes on in more ways than one. Led by a passionate music teacher and fueled by the enthusiasm of its young members, the drumline is making waves, both within and beyond the school’s walls.

The STAGE Arts Magnet Academy at Marshall Elementary School is where creativity and education intertwine seamlessly. This program offers gifted students a unique

opportunity to immerse themselves in the arts, providing a nurturing environment for their talents to blossom.

Under the guidance of gifted and talented instructors, students at STAGE explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, from visual arts to theater, music, dance, and more. The curriculum is designed to not only cultivate artistic proficiency but also foster critical thinking, teamwork, and self-expression.

OCSD Summer Arts Academy

The stage was set, the lights were dimmed, and anticipation hung in the air as the OCSD Summer Arts Academy prepared to unveil the culmination of weeks of hard work and creativity. The final production of this remarkable program was a testament to the dedication and talent of students hailing from Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. Through a vibrant blend of visual and performing arts, the OCSD Summer Arts Academy showcased the immense potential of young artists in our community.

The Academy is a beacon of artistic education, offering students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse range of creative disciplines. Whether they have a passion for visual arts, music, dance, theater, or more, this program provides a platform for students to explore, experiment, and expand their artistic horizons. Throughout the summer, students worked alongside accomplished instructors who not only imparted technical skills but also encouraged self-expression and innovation. This holistic approach to arts education fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants and a deep appreciation for the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and transform.

Academy Final Production

A Symphony of Talent & Dedication OCSD District Honor Band

The Orangeburg County School

District Honor Band is not just an ordinary school band; it’s a harmonious blend of talent and hard work. Comprising students from different shools, this ensemble represents the diversity and musical richness of the district.

The success of the Honor Band wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of the dedicated band directors, Dr. Ophelia Darby (EHS), Herman Marsh

(HKT & North), and Michael McClain (OWHS), who come from various schools within the district. These educators bring their unique expertise and experiences to the ensemble, offering students a chance to learn from the best in the field.

Under the guidance of these accomplished directors, students are not only honing their musical talents but also learning valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. It’s

not just about playing notes; it’s about learning to work together to create something beautiful. The Orangeburg County School District Honor Band graces various events and stages, captivating audiences with their remarkable musical presentations. From classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, the repertoire of this ensemble is as diverse as its members. Their music resonates through the community, inspiring both young and old.

In Division 3, which includes Grades 6 through 8, these budding artists and advocates for literacy showcased their skills and creativity.

1st Place: Anali Jimenez

2nd Place: Ky’Mari Johnson

3rd Place: Shia Millen

Honorable Mentions: Arlene Jiang, Ai Doan, Shannel Akinyi, and Harmony Dreher

Congratulations to these students for their remarkable achievements, and kudos to the teachers, parents, and mentors who continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of readers and artists.

As we celebrate these talented individuals, let their passion for literature and creativity serve as an inspiration to us all. The future looks brighter with such young minds leading the way.

SCEA Read Across America Art Contest District Winners

Recycling to Art Earth Day Recycling Project

In recognition of Earth Day 2023, district visual art teachers were asked to create a public art display using recycled painted water bottles. The coordinator of this project selected the location and image for the display, which is the fence at Sheridan Elementary School (Broughton Street) and each school’s mascot. The location was based

Celebrating Musical Excellence

SCBDA Regional Honor Band

Mr. Eddie Perry of North High School and Miss Alana Stroman of HKT High School earned their spots in the prestigious 2023 SCBDA Region 4 Honor Band. Eddie, represents North HS, secured the prestigious 2nd chair in the tuba section, and Alana, hailing from HKT HS, earned the 5th chair in the flute section. Their dedication and musical prowess were on full display during the clinic held on February 17-18, 2023, at the Summers Corner Performing Arts Center.

New Beginnings

SC Governor School for Arts and Humanities

Edisto Blue Machine Band has three members who successfully passed the audition process for the SC Governor School for Arts and Humanities. They will attend SCGSAH residential school the 23/24 school year. They are Elijah Brown (trombone), Braxtyn Nettles ( euphonium), and Zion Phelps (alto saxophone). Please help me celebrate the achievement of these young men.

OWHS Defining the Arts

The OWHS Chorus, a group known for its exceptional vocal talents, was selected to perform at the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) Annual Convention.

In a spellbinding display of creativity and talent, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School (OWHS) illuminated the stage with its production of “Fables and Fairy Tales” on March 29 and 30, 2023.

Acting Out Loud

For 13 consecutive years, the CEMS Players and Baillie Players have formed an unbeatable partnership, consistently wowing audiences with their annual musical productions. What sets this collaboration apart is the seamless synergy between these two groups. CEMS Players handle the “talent” side of the equation, holding auditions, conducting rehearsals, and ultimately delivering a spectacular performance. On the other hand, the Baillie Players bring their expertise in the technical aspects of theater production, providing the script, music, lights, sound, costumes, and more.

For many students at CEMS, this annual collaboration is a highlight of their middle school experience. It’s a chance to explore their artistic potential, build lifelong friendships, and gain confidence on stage.

Looking ahead, both groups are excited to continue their tradition of artistic excellence, nurturing the next generation of actors, singers, and theater enthusiasts.

OCSD ARTS