Intern Spotlight: Kordell Hemphill
Kordell Hemphill is a senior at Gardner-Webb University in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree in Music with an Emphasis in Business and the Music Industry with a concentration in voice. He was born and raised in Pacolet, SC, and when Kordell isn’t working here in the office he’s most likely serving food and taking orders at the Clock Drive in. This fall he’s looking forward to working with the dedicated professionals in the SPhil office and being a helping hand in any way he can!
During his time on campus at Gardner-Webb, Kordell was a driven member of the Concert Choir, Handbell Ensemble, and Pep Band. He’s also been a featured vocalist with the Gardner-Webb Jazz Collective, performed major roles in several musicals in the theater department, and also represented the university as a Choral Scholar at the First Baptist Church of Shelby.
“Throughout my college career, I’ve had the great opportunity of working with countless professionals in the field of music. I’ve also been blessed enough to witness and play a part in what happens before, during, and after a show. I’ve filmed concerts, promoted events, memorized lines, learned music, set stages, led choirs, and put on fantastic shows for many people. I began working with the Philharmonic in the summer and will continue my work this fall because I want to gain a new perspective on the music industry. I feel that each part of a show is vital, whether it be behind the scenes or front stage; every part is needed in order for the show to go on. I appreciate the leadership and guidance I receive every day and I know that I will be able to grow and learn even more as I remain here at Spartanburg Philharmonic!”
Random questions:
What is your theme song?
“Dancing Away In Tears” by Yola or “Bigger” by Beyoncé
Why is music so important to you?
Music is important to me because it does so many things. It lifts me up out of my sorrows, energizes me through the long days, and empowers me to be my true self every day!
What is your favorite vacation memory?
My mother, my aunt, my sister, and I took a beach trip some years ago. What remains in my mind were the many laughs we all shared along the way and back home. We still reminisce and laugh about that trip to this day.
What do you do in your free time?
I love to sing whenever and wherever I am. I enjoy making music and writing my own lyrics whenever inspiration strikes. My voice memos are currently flooded because I treat it like my musical diary.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start singing?
I would say find your own sound, be practical with yourself as you rehearse and never be afraid of constructive criticism because it only makes you better as a vocalist!
Any funny performance stories?
I was fortunate enough to tour with the Concert Choir to the mountains in Western North Carolina. While there, we would stop and give a concert to the churches that were housing us every night. One night while we were getting off of the bus for one of our performances, I grabbed my music folder and my tux but I forgot my dress shoes… So I performed that concert in my suit, bowtie and black socks!
Go-to snack?
Traditional Chex-Mix and Apple Juice
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Paris. I’ve always heard of the great fashion, breathtaking sights, and of course, the Louvre.
What is your favorite color?
Yellow! It’s bright and buoyant like me!
Who inspires you the most?
My Mother inspires me the most and has acted as a role model for me because she lives to serve, uplift, and motivate anyone she can, and she does it all with a smile!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, I will be dusting off my many Grammys and rewatching my super-bowl performance as I go on my 5th world tour for my 5th studio album that went double platinum.
What have you missed most in this rather abnormal year?
I miss campus life. I miss having a dorm and being able to visit my friends and grab lunch with them and I miss seeing my professors and my vocal instructor.
Favorite show or movie?
Pose on Netflix
Favorite dessert?
An Ice Cream Float!
Any pet peeves?
Snoring, nothing grinds my gears more.
If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?
I would go back to the 1960s. During this time, Etta James had just released her first album, At Last, and I would love the opportunity to see her perform some of her best songs in person. She always gave her all and I love her as an artist and lyricist.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what would you bring?
My Spotify playlist if possible, if I’m deserted and left alone I’d like Dreams by Fleetwood Mac to be playing.
