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South Carolina State Concert Choir asks Orangeburg County Council for financial support ahead of Carnegie Hall appearance
Summary
Students and the choir director asked the Orangeburg County Council for financial support to help the South Carolina State University Concert Choir perform at Carnegie Hall, highlighting student achievements, scholarship offers, and the program’s role in leadership and representation.
Dr. Johnny Felder, director of choirs at South Carolina State University, and members of the university’s Concert Choir asked the Orangeburg County Council for financial support to help students travel to a planned Carnegie Hall performance.
Felder introduced two planned selections and described the educational value of the trip. "I am a proud product of Orangeburg County," Felder said, asking the council to support students representing the university on a national stage. Student speakers emphasized the choir’s academic and musical achievements: one speaker noted the school’s marching band finished the season with an "excellent" rating and a top-15 state ranking, and students reported receiving scholarship offers after a recent fair.
Several students described the personal and professional opportunities the choir provides. "Being a part of the concert choir has provided me with a group of people who I can call my family," said Nina Davis, a choir member. Kennedy Cunningham, a senior music education major, said performing at Carnegie Hall would be “life-changing” and would help show students of color that such stages are attainable. Jayen Wright, a senior music industry major from Orangeburg, said the ensemble is "on the cusp of making history" as the first ensemble from South Carolina State University to perform at Carnegie Hall.
Jada Turley, speaking on behalf of the choir, formally petitioned the council and listed council members by district while requesting financial support and logistical assistance. Turley addressed "Chairman Johnny Wright of District 1, Vice Chair Ravvenel of District 2, Councilman Mcaster of District 3, Councilman Garvin of District 4, Councilwoman Cooper Smith of District 5, Councilwoman Frasier of District 6, and Councilwoman Walker of District 7," and asked the council to prepare for the performance.
The choir and students referenced dates for the performance in the transcript that vary: speakers mentioned both "March 2027" and a performance date of "June 14" in the course of remarks. The request for county financial support was made during the council meeting; the transcript does not record any council vote or formal action on the request.
The choir’s visit also included a live performance for the council and an appeal that emphasized student sacrifice, academic expectations, and the ensemble’s role in student development. The council’s response was limited to praise and welcome; no funding decision is recorded in the transcript.
