John Concklin Visits Schools
Did you know Spartanburg Philharmonic Music Director John Young Shik Concklin visits our Spartanburg County School classrooms? When John is in town for concerts, he and I (Hannah Simpson, Education and Community Engagement Manager) visit high school orchestra programs throughout Spartanburg County. Every visit is tailored to the individual needs of each ensemble, and is usually centered around an upcoming competition or concert.
Communication, collaboration, and ownership were the three unifying themes from John’s lessons this past year. What does it mean to take ownership of the music? During the Byrnes High School Orchestra visit, John asked the students-how do YOU want the music to sound? After some initial hesitation, students took turns giving the ensemble different ways to play the same passage. John went on to explain that the way in which you play causes the audience to hear and feel the music differently. Every conductor should have an awareness of how they are asking the musicians to perform, as it will affect the way the listener understands the music. Other lessons focused on knowing their musical role in the ensemble. Who has the melody? Who has the rhythm?
John is phenomenal at encouraging young musicians to listen across the room and communicate with one another. He guides them to not only understand the music at a deeper level, but themselves as a musician.
Our Spartanburg music students are incredible. Students are truly young professionals in the music classrooms. Over and over, they rose to each challenge and new way of thinking. They are creative, kind, and passionate musicians led by knowledgeable teachers. We are blessed in Spartanburg county to have so many thriving orchestra programs in our schools.
In the 2024-25 season, John visited: Spartanburg High School, Dorman High School, Chapman High School, Landrum High School, Boiling Springs High School, and Byrnes High School.
Want John or a musician to visit your school? Contact: Hannah Simpson hannah@spartanburgphilharmonic.org
John Concklin guest conducts at Dorman High School