News Releases

When it comes time to plan a concert for the Lander University Jazz Ensemble, associate professor of music Robert Gardiner has two goals: entertaining his audience and challenging his musicians. The group's Thursday, Dec. 8, show, he thinks, will do both.

Virtuoso violinist Anna Karkowska instructs sixth-grader Uriah Edwards on how to grip the violin during a master class Monday at Brewer Middle School. Karkowska performed Monday night at Lander University with her sister, Kasha, a concert pianist, as part of the Greenwood-Lander Performing Arts series.

Lander University is one of 11 state colleges and universities in South Carolina participating in the state's Teaching Fellows program, which has won the first Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award for highly effective initiatives in the state.

Recently when asked how he got his start in music, Lander University associate professor of music Dr. Charles Neufeld quickly drew a deep breath and said, "I've been making music all of my life." With an exhale of relief and a glow of pride in contemplating this journey, he continued, "I started singing in church and school choirs when I was in the first grade. I started performing in the fourth grade. And by the time I was in the sixth grade I was doing the lead in my school's Christmas show."

The Lander University Department of Music will present a holiday concert, "Christmas in Song and Ceremony," at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, in the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public; doors will open 30 minutes before curtain time.

Through the support of Lander University faculty, staff and students, Tommy Tumblin, a custodian at Lander University, is able to bring lots of Christmas cheer to area children as "Tommy Claus."

The final performance of the semester by Lander University's Wind Ensemble will be out of this world.

Lander University is observing International Education Week, Nov. 14-18, with several events highlighting international students presenting information about their home countries and cultures.

Ali Hammond, of Saluda, a student in the Lander University Master of Arts in Teaching art education program, was recently awarded the Liz Smith-Cox Scholarship -- which supports the development of aspiring art educators -- by the South Carolina Art Education Association.

Lander University's Equestrian Center will host an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) event on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19 and 20, at the Equestrian Center on Hwy. 72/221. Shows will begin at 9 a.m. both days; they are free and open to the public.