Charleston Symphony Fellowship
An intensive professional development and mentorship program that advances five talented individuals from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in classical music.
About The Fellowship
The Charleston Symphony Fellowship is a two-year program designed to support and promote the future of orchestral musicians.
Since the fellowship’s founding in August 2021, it has addressed institutional barriers and issues of representation, by building a direct career pipeline.
Fellows join the Charleston Symphony as musicians, performing alongside the orchestra. This experience empowers them to thrive in the professional landscape while contributing their voices to the orchestra. Additionally, all fellows participate in Masterclasses with guest artists and conductors and enrichment workshops in topics such as:
- Personal or Organizational Identity
- Health & Wellness
- Leadership
- Audition Preparation
- Molding a Compelling Vision
- Mock Auditions
- Philanthropy
- Alexander Technique and Body Mapping
- Marketing
- Philosophies of the Community
- Embedded Musician
- Interview and Job Search Preparation
Lifelong Impacts
Hear about the experiences that program participants and alumni will carry into their futures in orchestral music.
I am very grateful to have this opportunity, not only for the musicianship, but also the friendships.
- Karen Mendes, FellowMy biggest takeaway from this experience is how high quality the level of musicianship is here in Charleston.
- Timothy Parham, Former FellowCurrent Fellowship Opportunities
Each season there are a limited number
of opportunities to become a fellow.
At the heart of the program is a cohort model that nurtures a collaborative and community-focused learning environment — building personal and professional growth in a supportive setting. Together, fellows and the Charleston Symphony are working to make the arts more accessible, representative, and vibrant for everyone.
Each season there are a limited number of opportunities to become a fellow. Together, fellows and the Charleston Symphony are working to make the arts more accessible, representative, and vibrant for everyone.
The 2025-2026/2026-2027 cohort has been filled.
Applications for the 2027-2028 Season will open in January of 2027.
If you are interested in becoming a Charleston Symphony Fellow, please check back at that time or email our Education & Community Engagement Coordinator RJ Grant for more information.
Current Fellows
(2026-2027 Season)
Emilia Poirier-Molina
ViolinAbout Emilia
Karen Mendes
ViolinAbout Karen
Kamilah Brown
ViolaAbout Kamilah
Luis González
CelloAbout Luis
Paola García
BassAbout Paola
Alumni
Timothy Ryan Parham
ViolinAbout Timothy
Amani Zouehid
CelloAbout Amani
Laura Herrera
ViolinAbout Laura
Paulina Flores
ViolaAbout Paulina
Olivia Salas
BassAbout Olivia
Other Education Programs
Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestras enrich the lives of student musicians in our community. Our programs offer multiple concerts, performance opportunities with our Core 24 musicians, a concerto competition, masterclasses, a chamber music program, and student-centered community events.
Young People’s Concerts
In partnership with Carnegie Hall and the Gaillard Center, the Charleston Symphony presents the Link Up series — three different programs (The Orchestra Sings, The Orchestra Moves, The Orchestra Rocks) for students in grades 3-5 that rotate throughout the year.
Each season we feature a series of family-friendly concerts.
With programs designed for young attention spans, these performances are a terrific way to connect children to symphonic music and expand their cultural experiences.
Join other families at these interactive events that connect kids to community.
Learn More
Bring music to your school! When our Core 24 musicians aren’t on stage, they’re regularly performing for students in schools throughout the tri-county region.
Each year from September to April, small ensembles travel to schools across the Lowcountry to perform FREE, 35 to 40-minute concerts for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Learn More
