The Swingin’ Medallions Concert at Lander University on April 10 at 7 p.m. will be a homecoming of sorts for a legendary band whose music remains relevant to audiences nearly six decades later.
For Benjamin Bagwell, the night has an even greater significance. The concert, from which all proceeds will benefit the University’s John G. and Jayne B. McElrath Scholarship, will help future Lander music majors pursue their education and music career goals – just as Bagwell is doing.
A recipient of the McElrath Scholarship, Bagwell is particularly honored that the scholarship is named, in part, for John McElrath, the founder of the Swingin’ Medallions, a band whose appeal continues for those age “eight to 80.”
Bagwell, of Greenwood, is a junior vocal performance major whose music accolades include performing at Dollywood. When he transferred to Lander to continue his music education, he wondered about his future and what he could expect at the University.
“Transferring to Lander University was a big decision,” Bagwell said. “The McElrath Scholarship was graciously offered to me after I applied to Lander. Upon learning the history behind the scholarship, I knew that I had to accept it.”
Since then, Bagwell has moved with determination to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded him. A member of the University’s Old Main Singers, Bagwell is a founding member of the BarberCats, a barbershop quartet that performs on campus and at events throughout Greenwood. He also earned Dean’s List honors while balancing a demanding schedule of performances and rehearsals.
He recently was in the local performance of Noye’s Fludde, a one-act opera recounting the Old Testament Story of Noah’s ark and has extensive experience performing at Greenwood Community Theatre, Abbeville Opera House and music venues throughout the Lakelands.
Bagwell credits the scholarship for supporting his dreams. “This scholarship has helped ease the financial concerns and made me realize that I belong here at Lander,” he said. “We’re so accustomed to hearing about scholarships being awarded that we tend to forget that there are people behind them who make them possible. We must never take their love for Lander and their generosity for granted.”
Bagwell said having the McElrath Scholarship has made him even more determined to succeed. “The donors behind this scholarship believe in the potential of music students whom they select to support, and I want to fulfill that potential.”
Get Tickets Now:
General admission tickets for the concert, to be held at Lander’s Finis Horne Arena, are $20 each and are available at www.lander.edu/medallions. Along with enjoying a diverse blend of music from yesterday’s classics to the tunes of today, concertgoers will also be able to take advantage of a dance floor near the stage. The doors to the arena will open at 6 p.m.
Sponsorship opportunities with premium seating are also available. To purchase a table, contact Adam Taylor, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, at 864-388-8195 or ataylor@lander.edu.