Spartanburg Philharmonic Announce Susan Wines as Youth Orchestra Conductor
(Spartanburg, SC - May 6, 2024) The Spartanburg Philharmonic is thrilled to announce the appointment of Susan Wines as the new Youth Orchestra Conductor for the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Symphony Ensemble.
“Susan has been a leader in the Upstate music education field winning multiple awards,” says Music Director, John Young Shik Concklin, “serving in leadership positions, and inspiring a generation of young musicians. We are very grateful to have someone of her high caliber as part of the Spartanburg Philharmonic team.”
The Symphony Ensemble is SPYO’s full symphony orchestra for strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion, grades 8 through 12. Besides building a great repertoire, the Symphony Ensemble focuses on musical independence, refining technique, critical thinking, developing practice habits, and deeper listening.
Susan Wines brings a wealth of experience and passion for music education to her new role. Her journey in music and teaching began as a double bass player in middle school, where her enthusiasm for the art form ignited. Since then, she has pursued her passion relentlessly, earning a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from Converse University, two Master of Education degrees from the American College of Education, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Music Education from Liberty University.
In addition to her academic achievements, Susan has been actively involved in various musical initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to fostering musical excellence in young musicians. As the Director of Orchestras at Byrnes Freshman Academy, she has nurtured countless talents and inspired students to reach their full potential. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she has served as an adjudicator for performance assessments, a mentor for pre-service teachers, and a guest clinician across the nation.
Susan Wines is recognized for her innovative contributions to music education, having spearheaded numerous student-centered initiatives such as the Greenville County All-County Honor Orchestras, SC ASTA Double Bass Workshop, and the annual SC ASTA Orchestra. Her leadership roles include serving as the Executive Director of the SCMEA Orchestra Division and past president of the South Carolina Chapter of SC ASTA.
Throughout her career, Susan Wines has received several prestigious accolades, including the WYFF Golden Apple Teacher Award, Teacher of the Year, Music Club of Greenville’s Golden Note Award, and the South Carolina High School League’s “Heart of the Arts Award.” Most recently, she was honored as a recipient of the Yamaha "40 under 40" national music educator recognition.
“We are thrilled to welcome Susan Wines to lead our vibrant youth orchestra,” says Kathryn Boucher, Executive Director of the Spartanburg Philharmonic. “With her passion for music and dedication to nurturing young talent, we are excited for the inspiring journey ahead.”
Susan Wines' appointment as the Youth Orchestra’s Symphony Conductor marks an exciting chapter for the Spartanburg Philharmonic, as they continue their mission to enrich the community through exceptional musical experiences.
Role of Youth Orchestra Conductor
The role of a Youth Orchestra Conductor encompasses musical leadership, educational mentorship, rehearsal planning, inspirational leadership, and community engagement. They guide young musicians through rehearsals and performances, provide musical instruction, and inspire a love for music. Through their dedication and advocacy, they contribute to the musical and personal growth of young musicians and promote the importance of music education in the community.
About SPYO
The Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra was founded in 2019 to bring together the best young players from across the Upstate as a core education program of the Spartanburg Philharmonic. SPYO provides a place where musically inclined students learn to master their instruments and collaborate with others to produce three high-quality performances each year. Working with the SPYO challenges talented young musicians to grasp difficult repertoires and perform at a higher level than what is possible in their school orchestras.
About the Spartanburg Philharmonic
Almost a century old, Spartanburg Philharmonic has its roots in the 1895 May Festival, the precursor of the South Atlantic States Music Festival founded in 1898, and one of only four such festivals featuring orchestras in the United States at that time. Recognized as a pillar of creativity, inspiration, and entertainment, Spartanburg Philharmonic is a modern orchestra with a strong foundation in traditional and contemporary music.
As a firm proponent of diversity and inclusion, the Philharmonic is dedicated to creating innovative and exhilarating experiences through memorable performances of well-known and rarely played works by female composers, composers of color, as well as composers from the past and present, for all members of the Spartanburg community and beyond.
An arts organization whose mission is to enrich, inspire, and educate through live performances of high-quality music, the Spartanburg Philharmonic partners with a variety of community, health, and education organizations to provide opportunities for all ages and abilities to enjoy. Amongst the programs are Music Sandwiched In, a free and open to the public lunch hour series; the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestras, offering instrumental music education to students grades 6 through 12 in 16 different schools across three counties; and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute’s Link Up program, providing a music curriculum to 4th graders throughout Spartanburg County.