Intermezzo

Intermezzo is an advancing all strings ensemble in GCYO led by Elizabeth Conrad and Patrick Murch. Please read more about them below: 

Originally from Chicago, IL, Elizabeth Conrad was deeply involved in different fine arts programs around the Chicagoland area. Upon graduating, Ms. Conrad pursued a degree in music education with an intensive focus on string pedagogy. During her time in college she served as an assistant choral conductor, a handbell director, chamber musician, and was principal second violin for the MBU Symphony Orchestra. She was also a member of the BJU Symphony Orchestra and worked as the principal music librarian for the BJUSO. She has served as a logistics coordinator, director’s assistant, and music instructor at multiple music camps around the country for the last 8 years. She had previously worked as a private music teacher with Mararanatha Music Prep School in Wisconsin. Ms. Conrad currently teaches at Woodmont High School as the orchestra and piano program director. During marching band season, Ms. Conrad also works on staff with the Woodmont Band of Pride. Teaching young musicians has always been Ms. Conrad’s heart passion, and she loves that she gets to work with a variety of ensembles. Being the GCYO Intermezzo conductor is a highlight of her week.

Mr. Murch wrote his first orchestral composition, “Momentarily Silent”, as a junior in high school and it was performed by GAMAC (Greater Anderson Music Arts Consortium) Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Alex Spainhour. He won first place in the music composition contest through MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) in 1996 for the state of South Carolina and placed second in the southeast region. He attended the University of South Carolina where he received a scholarship for the viola, composition, and a teaching scholarship through the USC String Project. In 2008 Mr. Murch was awarded the “Golden Apple Award” from WYFF News Channel 4 and was selected as the Teacher of the Year for McCants Middle School. After he taught for ten years at three different middle schools in Anderson School District Five he was granted a full graduate assistantship at the University of South Carolina and completed his masters degree in music education. Mr. Murch is a published composer through Alfred Publishing Co. He taught for four years at Richland Northeast HS in Columbia, SC where his electric strings ensemble called, "Northeast Current", performed at the SCMEA (South Carolina Music Educators Association) Conference on February 9th, 2016 playing his arrangements and original compositions. Mr. Murch is currently teaching his eighth year with GCYO and at Northwood Middle School in Greenville, SC.