A freshman year bookended by performing Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 and Mahler Symphony No. 1 with the UofSC Symphony Orchestra may seem like a challenge, but for Cassandra, it was the perfect opportunity to reach the next level of excellence. Through the School of Music and a network of local Columbia musicians, Cassandra found unique ways to grow as a performer and professional.

“Gigging is a very different experience from playing in the orchestra. You have to put yourself out there and seek all the opportunities to continue to grow and improve. You’d think that Columbia is not a big classical music scene, but there’s so much going on.”

In addition to playing gigs booked through the School of Music, Cassandra teaches private lessons with the UofSC String Project, performs for professional conferences and local schools, and takes special trips with other students to bring music to the elderly at Still Hopes Retirement Home. Learning how to market herself has taught her responsibility and accountability, and has prepared her for venturing out of Columbia after college and into any new city her career path takes her.

“Music isn’t necessarily about being perfect. It’s about how you make people feel. For me, I enjoy being able to express emotion through notes and having those few notes truly impact others.”

I am South Carolina.