4 Irmo Middle Students to Perform at Piccolo Spoleto Festival

Four Irmo Middle School student musicians will perform in the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston this week.

Anna Buck, Michael Calamas, Logan Pierce and Carol Turner will perform as a Mallet Quartet Friday as part of the festival’s Rising Stars program. Buck and Turner will also perform solo pieces. 

“We are extremely excited that Irmo Middle students will get a chance to experience the internationally renown Piccolo Spoleto Festival,” said Irmo Middle Principal Robert Jackson. “We pride ourselves in being the gateway to the world.

"Experiences like these advance learning and allow students to make first-hand connections that relate to the concepts taught at Irmo Middle School," Jackson said. "It is indeed an honor for students to represent Irmo Middle and extend their global competencies through this type of connected learning.” 

The four eighth-grade students were selected after submitting a recording of them playing the instrumental percussion piece Metric Lips, said Band Director Trey Simmons.

It’s the first time that the school has submitted music for the program, which features students from around the state. 

“I’m absolutely flattered and honored that our students were selected to play in such an important and renown stage,” Simmons said. “Our district has some wonderful arts programs, including our bands. And I think it’s time we brought attention to our talented students and quality arts programs.” 

Anna Buck performed her solo flute piece at the festival Monday. She said she was nervous before the performance, but excited to play in the festival.

“It’s not too different from performing at other events we’ve had. It was a small crowd. Not too large … but it was great to be a part of it.”

During rehearsals, Carol Turner said she was focused on one thing: “…uh, not messing up.” 

Some selections from the Rising Stars program will air on National Public Radio (NPR). 

Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is a complement to the international scope of its parent festival, Spoleto. Piccolo Spoleto’s traditional program offerings include visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts and film. 

Submitted by Lexington-Richland District Five.