We are thrilled to introduce the newly-launched Long Bay Youth String Ensemble (LBYSE), which is a second youth orchestra offering within the Long Bay Symphony organization, directed by Mr. Chad Hammer, Orchestra Director at Ten Oaks Middle School and Cello Instructor at Coastal Carolina University.
The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble will begin its Spring Semester on Sunday, February 28th from 3-5 pm at Trinity Church, located at 3000 N Kings Hwy in Myrtle Beach. We will meet on this schedule:
February 28
March 7
March 14
March 21
(March 28 – April 18 No Rehearsal)
April 25
May 2
May 9
May 16 Last Full Rehearsal
May 23 Dress Rehearsal and CONCERT
Students are asked to bring their own instrument and music stand and to wear a mask inside the church building at all times. For the safety of all involved, we will practice social distancing to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Please contact Deanne Renshaw at [email protected] for more information, or you may register below. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Long Bay Youth String Ensemble is open to all student string players with a year or more experience on their instrument. 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. The ensemble meets Sunday afternoons from 3-5 pm and 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.
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. We encourage all interested students to REGISTER BELOW or contact LBYSE manager Deanne Renshaw at [email protected] for more information!
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.
