Young musicians learn advanced musical skills through private instruction, ensemble training and music history and theory studies.
Guided by professional, practicing musicians, the Music Department offers pre-professional training in the following areas:
Brass | Harp | Percussion | Piano | Strings | Voice | Woodwinds
The Residential High School program includes orchestral training, advanced vocal studies and opera workshop, chamber music experience, instrument-specific seminars and master classes, and courses in music theory and music history. All music students sing in the Governor’s School Choir.
Performances
As part of the intensive curriculum, students represent the school through performances in the Governor's School Choir and one or more of the following large groups each semester: Cantus Chamber Choir, Concertato String Orchestra, Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.
Competitions
Music students also have the opportunity to compete in regional and national competitions and have been recognized by organizations such as the American String Teachers Association, Carolina Youth Symphony, Music Teachers National Association, S.C. Band Directors Association, and YoungArts.
When to Apply By Grade
Music students apply in the 10th grade to attend in the 11th and 12th grades. Advanced students can apply in the 9th grade through the Instrumental Early Audition (IEA) program. Learn more about the application requirements and the audition process below.
Application
First Application Deadline: $50 application fee automatically waived if application form is submitted by November 30, 2020
Final Application Deadline: January 6, 2021
- Components for Online Application Process
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Inquiry & Login Credentials
Application Form
Passport-Style ID Photo
Music Experience
Classes & Training
Music Teachers
Technique Books & RepertoirePersonal Essay *see details below*
Art Area Recommendation
Academic Recommendation
Official High School Transcript
Current Report Card
Current Attendance Record
Guidance/Registrar Form
Audition Video *see Audition tab*
- Personal Essay
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Finished essays will be uploaded to the application.
In order for the Music Faculty to get a sense of who you are as an individual, submit an essay using one of the following topics listed below. The essay should contain 500-800 words, be double-spaced using a 12-point font, and includes your name in the upper right-hand corner.
- Describe one of your most meaningful artistic experiences and how it has shaped you as a musician.
- Discuss a positive experience in your life that has helped you become the young adult you are today. How do you hope to build upon this experience as you enter adulthood?
- Discuss a challenging experience in your life that has fundamentally shaped you into the young adult you are today. How do you hope to move forward from this experience as you enter adulthood?
Upload the essay in Word or PDF format. Do not upload using the PAGES app.
- IEA Application Requirements
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The Instrumental Early Admission (IEA) Program allows gifted and socially mature rising 10th grade (current 9th grade) instrumental students to apply early to the SCGSAH Residential High School. Click below to learn more!
Brass & Woodwinds IEA Video Guidelines Video Submission Guidelines
Audition
The Residential High School Music Auditions will be held virtually this year.
Phase 1: Submit an Audition Video (see details below for each instrument family). This video must be submitted by January 22, 2021.
Phase 2: Selected applicants will be invited to this phase based on their application materials and video audition. During this 10-15 minute virtual audition, students will complete a basic demonstration of musicianship, interview, and other components based on instrument family. See the "Virtual Audition Preparation" tab for more details. These will take place on Saturdays in late January & in February.
- Audition Video & Submission Guidelines
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Brass & Woodwinds Video Guidelines
Concert Harp Video Guidelines - available upon request
- Virtual Audition Preparation
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Brass & Woodwinds Virtual Audition
Concert Harp Virtual Audition - available upon request