Behind the Scenes of the South Carolina Philharmonic with Rhonda Hunsinger by Haley Sprankle

“Quite simply, a vibrant arts community is a critical part of what makes Columbia a desirable place to live and work. It makes our city what it is.”

These are the insightful words of the South Carolina Philharmonic’s Executive Director, Rhonda Hunsinger.

Hunsinger has been with the Philharmonic for 16 years; four as the Development Director and the last 12 as their Executive Director.

“I was actually in our Youth Orchestra program in the 1970s as a violinist. I started in the youngest string ensemble and advanced to the top Youth Orchestra group. I was involved in a lot of music growing up: singing in church and school choirs, playing percussion/marimba in the Irmo bands and keyboard in their stage band, and taking private piano and violin lessons (and a few marimba lessons, too!). But my greatest love was playing in the Youth Orchestra program,” Hunsinger remembers. “I moved to Florida after high school and didn’t reconnect with the orchestra until 1998, when my husband and I decided to move back to my hometown. There was an ad in the paper for Development Director with the SC Philharmonic, and I had acquired fundraising experience during my career, so applied. I had wanted to go into arts administration and couldn’t believe the incredible timing – that the orchestra I grew up with was looking for someone with my experience and who loved our orchestra. I remember after they offered me the job I drove to my father’s office at the Budget and Control Board. I walked in, sat across the desk from him and said, “I got it!” He stood up, reached across and shook my hand enthusiastically, with a huge grin on his face.”

Having been involved with the arts since she was a child, Rhonda is a major advocate for the incorporation of music into the community.

“The arts are an industry that supports jobs, generates revenue and brings tourism to our city. I am a bit biased, of course, but I believe a professional orchestra must be a part of an arts community to make it complete – and truly vibrant…We already know that all types of music affect our mood, can bring memories rushing back, and is proven to be important in childhood development. I think what inspires me the most about our orchestra is that it doesn’t matter how long our musicians have been apart – they walk into that first rehearsal for a concert, sit down, lift their instruments and sound as if they have been playing that particular piece together forever. It’s truly amazing,” Hunsinger remarks.

With such a passion for the Philharmonic, Hunsinger has many fond memories of her time there and each of the orchestra’s performances.

“I get goose pimples every time I hear the Barber Violin Concerto. My first memory of it being performed with this orchestra was with violinist Rachel Lee as our soloist. She was young – I remember that she had arranged to take her SATs while on the road and we had to drive her to the test. Can you imagine performing as a soloist with a professional orchestra and taking your SATs in the same weekend? To hear this beautiful music performed by a young talent was humbling and amazing. And our orchestra sounded so incredible. For some reason, that music, and that memory, stays with me,” Hunsinger says.

The group not only has a talented past of performing, but also looks forward to a bright future for this season.

“You couldn’t have missed our Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a commission with composer Dan Visconti, who is writing a piece titled “Beatbox” that features a highly acclaimed, and high energy string quartet. I absolutely can’t wait to see how this comes together at our March 14 concert,” Hunsinger excitedly adds.

Hunsinger not only loves the performance aspect of the Philharmonic, but she also actively tries to ensure her orchestra runs well and works together cohesively.

“I believe strongly in the need for those involved to understand what is happening in all aspects of the SC Phil. It is important to be transparent – to share great news when it happens, but also be candid when there are challenges and difficulties – whether these are administrative, artistic or volunteer-based. Our Board members bring breakfast to the musicians for every Saturday morning rehearsal and attend rehearsals throughout the season to better understand the artistic process, and to get to know the musicians better. The musicians have a voice on the SC Philharmonic Board, with representatives attending meetings,” Hunsinger says. “Staff and Board members make it a point to know our musicians better, whether it is through rehearsal attendance and collaborative projects, or simply Facebook banter. We are told by musicians and guest artists who work with multiple orchestras that ours is the friendliest and most communicative they know. I believe the public senses the enjoyment our musicians feel when performing, and that this enjoyment is not just from playing great music with great people, but from playing with an orchestra that deeply appreciates their hard work and contributions to the SC Phil.”

When not constantly seeking to perfect the South Carolina Philharmonic, Hunsinger enjoys low-fat white chocolate mochas in the winter and low-fat, no whip java chip Frappuccinos in the summer along with her favorite 1980s movie, Romancing the Stone.

Look for more information on the South Carolina Philharmonic and their 2014-2015 season at www.scphilharmonic.com!