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.
How to Apply
Students typically apply in 10th to attend our school in 11th & 12th grade. We also accept applications from 11th grade students. Highly talented and mature 9th grade instrumentalists can apply for Instrumental Early Admission (IEA).
An online application process, which includes demographic and arts information, must be completed to be considered for admission. The online application portal will be used to request recommendations and upload other required materials.
Music applicants are required to submit a video recording and upload an essay to the application portal.
The In-Person Audition
Residential High School Music Auditions will be held in-person this year on various Saturdays during late January & early February.
Below are details about how to prepare and what to expect during the audition: