University of South Carolina School of Music Alumni

Alumni going to the Midwest Clinic in Chicago: the annual alumni get-together photo/alma mater singing will be at 10 p.m. (Chicago time) Dec. 21 at the Chicago Hilton, 720 S Michigan Ave. Meet us at the Christmas tree.
Please also plan to stop by and see me and The Carolina Bands GAs in the exhibit hall, booth #1838.

Just in time for the holidays: we have new The University of South Carolina School of Music merchandise in stock! Music admissions fellow Ally Yablonski is wearing our stylish new women's vest option and holding one of our new tumblers. We also have crewneck sweatshirts, stickers, and pennants. We have a few sizes of the older hoodies left, and they're highly discounted. See more merchandise photos (being worn by other SOM models you may know!) and order in the SoM store: https://secure.touchnet.net/C21544_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=161

The University of South Carolina School of Music is profoundly sad to share that Walter Cuttino, Associate Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of South Carolina, has passed away. In 1996 Mr. Cuttino joined the voice faculty at the University of South Carolina and held his position for 23 years. Mr. Cuttino performed regularly on American and European stages and served as artistic director of The Palmetto Opera conductor of The Palmetto Mastersingers and as director of Music at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church. He was also an alumnus of the School of Music, graduating with a BM degree in 1979.

Mr. Cuttino’s resume included over 1,000 operatic performances throughout Europe. Ferrando (Cosi fan Tutte), Almaviva (Barber of Seville), Tamino (The Magic Flute), Lenski (Eugene Onegin), Alfredo (La Traviata) and Rodolfo (La Boheme) are a sampling of the more than 40 roles in his repertoire. He also performed over 500 concerts, including a concert tour with the late Leonard Bernstein, to London and Moscow.

“Walter Cuttino was, for many years, the heart and soul of the voice area of the School of Music. In addition to his beautiful, clear, and bright tenor voice, Walter was a loving and collaborative colleague who performed superbly in any genre and in any venue that presented him. His legions of voice students over the years attest regularly to the significant impact he had on their learning and development. Our world is diminished without Water Cuttino in it," said Dean Tayloe Harding.

The faculty, staff, and students of the School of Music wish to extend their sympathy to the family of Mr. Cuttino. We are deeply grateful for his years of service to the School of Music and at the University of South Carolina.

Valentine chosen as next director of Betsy Band Sullivan County native Valentine returning from South Carolina

Who will make our 200th donation? It could be you! Donate before midnight tonight and you could get to snuggle up in this comfy School of Music hoodie 😄
Donate 👉 https://buff.ly/3avTVXk

Let's get it going, Carolina! Our 150th gift wins Cocky socks! (We know you talk the talk but now you can walk the walk 😉) Donate here: https://buff.ly/3avTVXk 🤙

John Williams' obituary and service info:

Wiley John Williams Obituary - Moseley Funeral & Cremation Service Wiley John Williams was a native of Shreveport, Louisiana where he studied violin, piano, and art. He was concertmaster his HS senior year of the Louisiana All State Orchestra. He played trumpet and bass drum in his high school band, later changing to bassoon. BM and MM degrees were earned from the....

The University of South Carolina School of Music is sad to share the news that John Williams, Distinguished Professor of Music Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, has passed away. During his tenure (1968-2006) at the School of Music, Mr. Williams taught piano and bassoon and performed with the Carolina Camerata Woodwind Quintet and the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, in addition to several regional orchestras.

Mr. Williams' resume included piano soloist at the MTNA National Convention, the American Matthay Association National Convention, the Southeastern Historical Keyboard Society Convention, and, on bassoon, at the National conventions of MTNA, MENC, the French Historical Society, and the International Double Reed Society.

“John was such a good man, beloved by many for his comprehensive musicianship--he was a gifted pianist AND bassoonist--and his great humor and affability. I speak for all of us when I say we will miss him deeply,” said Dean Tayloe Harding.

The faculty, staff, and students of the School of Music wish to extend their sympathy to the family of Mr. Williams. We are deeply grateful for his years of service to the School of Music and at the University of South Carolina.

Mungo award winner: Wendy Valerio Wendy Valerio prepares many of South Carolina’s public school music teachers, so it might be a little confusing to hear the Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award winner’s philosophy. “I don’t believe in teaching when it comes to music education,” Valerio says.