Long Bay Symphony Youth Programs

Long Bay Youth String Ensemble

Our newest youth program, the Long Bay Youth String Ensemble, is a second youth orchestra offering within the Long Bay Symphony organization specific for string players. This program is directed by Mr. Chad Hammer, Orchestra Director at Ten Oaks Middle School and fellow Long Bay Symphony musician.

How to Participate

The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble is open to all student string players with a year or more experience on their instrument. New students are welcome to join each semester! Auditions are NOT required for participation; however, students must make a commitment to attend rehearsals and maintain a positive attitude towards learning.

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 paid by semester and fees may vary slightly depending on the number of weeks per semester. Tuition is waived for paid members of LBYS. A limited number of full or partial scholarships are available based on need. Tuition is $90 per semester.

We encourage all interested students to contact LBYSE manager Deanne Renshaw for more information at [email protected].

Click Here to Register

Practices & Schedules

All practices will take place at the MBHS Music & Arts Center (3302 Robert Grissom Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC) on Sunday afternoons from 3-5PM. Please see below for the Fall semester dates:

September 17: Meet & Greet
October 1
October 8
October 15
October 22
October 29
December 10
December 17: Dress Rehearsal at 2PM & Winter Concert at 4PM

Chad Hammer

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.