Dr. Anthony Lenti, of Greenwood, professor emeritus of music at Lander University, has been inducted into the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Hall of Fame, recognizing more than four decades of excellence as a music teacher.
Lenti, who is in his 43rd year on the Lander faculty, teaches piano, piano ensemble, introduction to music and music history.
He described his Hall of Fame selection as "exhilarating and humbling." He added, "Everyone enjoys recognition. I hope I deserve to be included in this group of outstanding music educators represented in the Hall of Fame."
Lenti obtained bachelor's and master's degrees and a doctorate in piano performance and music history from Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, in N.Y. Since joining the Lander faculty in 1970, he has received the university's Distinguished Professor Award and the South Carolina Governor's Distinguished Professor Award.
He and his wife, Marianne, who is also a pianist and a retired Lander faculty member, perform as The Lenti Duo, presenting piano concerts across the United States and internationally. They are also recording artists.
Lenti has been associated with the Music Educators Association for many years and, for the last 25 years, he has served as president of the association's piano division.
His induction came during SCMEA's in-service conference in Charleston early in February. Other Lander music faculty also took part in the event.
Dr. Robert Gardiner led the jazz ensemble in a concert and was given an award for his work as a jazz educator.
Dr. Robert Kelley joined Lenti in presenting a clinic for the piano division. Gardiner and Kelley are associate professors of music.