7 minute read
Together SpARTanburg
Providing Inspiration from Home
In March, amid government recommended closures and the mandated cancellation of all public events due to the coronavirus pandemic, performing arts organizations in Spartanburg were forced to cancel concerts and shows, effectively limiting our community’s access to quality, live arts. Seeing the need for continued inspiration while our friends and patrons were staying at home, the Spartanburg Philharmonic, Ballet Spartanburg, and Spartanburg Little Theatre, and later, the Spartanburg Art Museum, came together to form a new partnership – Together SpARTanburg. What followed was a digital performing arts series that engaged and entertained viewers of all ages in fun and meaningful arts experiences.
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Though difficult, each organization’s choice to cancel was a necessary one, driven primarily by each group’s commitment to doing their part to keep Spartanburg safe. However necessary, the results of these decisions are also felt by the artists and larger Spartanburg community. Even this fall, it is a reality that continues to linger as, “Across the world, we are seeing arts organizations and artists making impossible decisions about their concerts, work and livelihoods while prioritizing the health and wellness of our communities,” says Kathryn Boucher, Spartanburg Philharmonic Executive Director. “Together SpARTanburg aimed
“The Video Introduction was the hardest part of the filming process. I thought it would be neat for the camera to pan around my studio while I was playing an improvisation on my cello. I completely underestimated the amount of time that it was going to take for the camera to move around. Every time I thought the camera was done moving, I would start to wrap up the piece, only to find out that it was not done yet. By the time the camera and I would finally meet up, I would forget my opening lines!” - Ben Smith
Cello
watch Ben’s video online:
my.sphil.org/TS4
“I was so, so happy to be asked to perform for Together SpARTanburg. Quarantine had just started that week, and with so much uncertainty floating about, it was truly wonderful to have a project to work on and keep my mind occupied. Over the next few months our whole family found ourselves doing many other videos for different situations, but this was the first one. You can tell that we hadn’t quite worked our process out yet! The sun kept moving around and getting into my eyes, my cameraman and helper Tally (my daughter) was never fully in the picture, and the dog wanders through at one point—and then, later, you can hear her in the background at her water bowl. Still, it was great to have the chance to reach out to friends far and near—both with the Facebook questions and later trying to get folks to snap along.” - Kelly Vaneman
Oboe
watch Kelly’s video online:
my.sphil.org/TS1
“I am a lifelong performer, but have never been the ‘on camera’ type, so this was new for me! In the absence of my regular performing opportunities, it was great to have a reason to play through lots of repertoire to try to decide what would be the best fit, and since I thought it would be nice to represent the piccolo, I ended up discovering that the Piazzolla Tango Etudes actually work really well for that instrument! I never would have figured that out if the Philharmonic hadn’t asked me to step a little outside my comfort zone. My two year old, Emerson, enjoyed making his cameo, and loves to watch the whole video over and over. We had fun learning about the other instruments through the other videos as well.” - Jessica Sherer
Piccolo
“Making the video for the Philharmonic was a great deal of fun despite the fact that I must have had 6,000 takes. OK, I exaggerate... but seriously, you think you can talk to a camera until you try it!!! I know now that I have no future as an actor. Fortunately, the playing came easily as did deciding what to show in my studio. I love where I work at home.” - Caroline Ulrich
Flute
watch Jessica and Caroline’s video online:
my.sphil.org/TS32
“I love the banjo and always look forward to an opportunity to share it with people, so I was delighted to be a part of Together SpARTanburg. Banjo is one of those instruments that flies under the radar, but it’s worth everyone’s attention! It’s unique in many ways and the world of banjo is much more diverse than many people realize. So, it was fun to hit record on my cell phone and talk a little about the instrument that captured my heart, as a child. Sharing it with my fellow Upstaters was a privilege!” - Kristin Scott Benson
Banjo
watch Kristin’s video online:
my.sphil.org/TS44
to bring local performing artists into the homes of our community still providing them an opportunity to be creative and our patrons an opportunity to stay connected to the artists and arts organizations that they love.”
From it’s premiere on Wednesday, March 25th at 10am, Together SpARTanburg sought to give our community access to the performing arts with regularly scheduled programs available online through social media, and each organizations websites. In the very first episode, followers of the Spartanburg Philharmonic, Ballet Spartanburg, Spartanburg Little Theatre, and the THANK YOU, Spartanburg Art Museum were greeted by an uplifting performance by SPhil Associate Principal Oboist, Kelly Vaneman. What followed after was a blend of beloved ballet performances, home-bound actors belting out Spartanburg show tunes, and gallery tours that put art and artist center We’ve always been honored to be a part of Spartanburg’s offices, buildings and homes, but it means even hodgefloors.com | 864.573.9288 stage. And for 10 weeks, viewers were transported away from the monotony of ‘shelter in place,’ and brought back to the halls of the arts they treasure in almost 50 episodes of Together SpARTanburg.
more that you took time to vote us the Best. While the coronavirus continues to plague our community even now, the words of Teresa Hough, We will work hard to continue to earn your trust. Executive Director of Ballet Spartanburg still ring true. “We are so happy to work together to try to uplift our community. Together SpARTanburg may be an idea to let our patrons and those who love the arts to know we are still here and that we will all get through this Together!” Jay Coffman, Executive Director of Spartanburg Little hodgefloors.com | 864.573.9288 Theatre, also stresses the importance of continued access to the arts. “One of the many important functions of the performing arts is to provide a temporary escape from the rigors, stresses, and challenges of our daily lives. This is especially important to our talented and creative community of artists and the very generous and giving audiences who support them. In these unprecedented times, we hope that Together SpARTanburg will show that the arts can continue to inspire, educate, and connect us beyond our conventional theaters and concert halls, when we need it the most. While the curtain may have closed on Together STAGE • PHOTOGRAPH • PRICE • MARKET SpARTanburg, we invite you to visit our website or YouTube channel to watch (or re-watch!) as times like these continue make demands on our need for If you are looking for an inspiration. We look forward to new opportunities to experienced Realtor to conduct connect with you online as we launch or new digital your next sale, give me a call. channel for Ludwig (page 30) and ‘Burg Bound (page 42). Most of all, we thank you for all the kind words My plan to stage, photograph, of praise and we support you have given us as we look price, and market your home for new ways to enrich your lives with music. will hit all the right notes.
Francie Little, REALTOR® 864.580.8448
