Julia Rhyne, a senior at the College of Charleston, is on the cusp of a remarkable achievement. As a music major with a violin concentration and double-minors in arts management and German, Rhyne is poised to grace the stages of two of the world's most prestigious performance venues – the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall – before she even graduates.

Unlocking the Doors to Musical Greatness

Captivating Audiences at the Kennedy Center

Rhyne's journey to the Kennedy Center was made possible through the generosity of the College's orchestra and Department of Music patrons, Frank and Peggy Oldham, who collaborated with the orchestra's conductor, Yuriy Bekker, to create life-changing experiences for the students. In 2023, the College of Charleston Orchestra performed at the renowned venue, playing "Charlestonia," a piece that embodied the spirit of the city. "Playing in a big hall is something most student-musicians think is reserved for professionals, so it was particularly special for us to get the opportunity," Rhyne reflects.

Reaching for the Stars at Carnegie Hall

Buoyed by the success at the Kennedy Center, the Oldhams and Bekker set their sights on an even more prestigious stage – Carnegie Hall. In February 2025, Rhyne and the 70-person College of Charleston Orchestra will travel to New York City to perform in one of the world's most renowned musical venues. "Every musician dreams of playing at Carnegie Hall because it is so well known," says Rhyne. "For me, the experience is extra special because, as the co-concert master and orchestra administrator, I get to see the people working behind the scenes and learn their marketing tactics."

Honing Her Administrative Expertise

Rhyne's role as the orchestra administrator has provided her with invaluable insights into the complexities of a successful performance. From managing the performers to marketing the events, she has gained a deeper understanding of the industry's inner workings. This experience builds upon her previous marketing and social media internship with the Berlin Philharmonic, where she had the opportunity to attend the Waldbühne concert and gather content for social media.

Leveraging Her Experiences for the Future

Rhyne's internships and her two-year tenure as the orchestra administrator have equipped her with the skills, experience, and connections she needs for an exciting future. She is currently leveraging her social media expertise as a marketing intern at the South Carolina Bach Society, and she has formed a professional relationship with Bekker, who has helped her build connections within the Charleston music scene and shaped her into a better orchestral musician.

Shaping a Promising Career Path

Bekker, who has been consistently impressed by Rhyne's dedication and talent, is confident in her future success. "She has a bright future ahead, excelling as a talented violinist who is deeply dedicated to her craft," he says. "As an orchestra administrator, Julia is a hard worker, great communicator, responsible and diligent. She understands both the musical and administrative sides. I am confident that we will hear many accolades about her future achievements both with the violin and as an orchestra administrator."Rhyne's journey from a student-musician to a rising star in the music industry is a testament to her passion, hard work, and the opportunities provided by the College of Charleston and its supporters. As she prepares to grace the stages of the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, Rhyne's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and arts administrators alike, proving that with dedication and the right support, dreams can become a reality.