The Community Chorus has awarded its first ever scholarship to James Garrison Riedy of Campobello, S.C. Jamie has sung with the Community Chorus since 2011. He will attend Furman University in the fall, studying physics and theater.

Jamie was first introduced to music performance at age 10 in the Tryon Little Theater’s summer youth production of “Les Miserables.”

“It was such an enriching experience, and challenging as well, that I wanted to audition for more shows like ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘Oliver!,’ ‘1940’s Radio Hour,’ ‘Willy Wonka,’ ‘Shrek,’ ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ ‘Big River,’ and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ ” he said. “Through productions with TLT, I met Mary Meyers, retired Metropolitan Opera singer, who soon became my sisters’ and my vocal instructor. She, Carol Browning, Pam McNeil, and more suggested my family and I join the Carolina Community Chorus.” 

For the past six years, Jamie has learned about choral singing and musical interpretation under several Community Chorus directors. He also continued working with Myers and the Foothills Music Club. Jamie received their Kathleen Erwin Scholarship in both 2014 and 2017.

He remains involved in shows with TLT, participating in the Community Chorus, and performing at Laurel Hurst/Laurel Woods, Super Saturday, Chautauqua, and fund-raisers for FMC, TLT, and Parkinson’s research.

Linda Lee Reynolds, president of the Community Chorus board of directors, said of Jamie, “When he began singing with us, he sat in the soprano section with his mom. From there he moved to tenor and this past spring joined the baritone section,” she said. “We’ve loved watching him progress with his singing and are delighted to offer him this scholarship.”

Riedy had a baritone solo in a Stephen Foster medley during the Community Chorus’ Spring concert that took place in April.

Jamie is the son of John and Christine Riedy. His sisters, Maggie and Kate, have also sung with the Community Chorus and attend Converse College.

– article submitted by Sandra Sibley