About Us
What We Do
Harmonic South String Orchestra (HSSO) puts violins, violas, 'cellos and basses in the hands of new or emerging young musicians. HSSO provides quality musical instruction paired with authentic performance opportunities. These performances enhance the communities in which they occur. Ultimately, for the children, music becomes as source of enjoyment, enrichment and employment. All youngsters between the ages of four (4) and eighteen (18) are welcome irrespective of their experience, skill or economic status.
Our Mission
The mission of Harmonic South String Orchestra is to provide instruction of string instruments to students in Memphis with our focus group being students in South Memphis.
Our staff
We love working with our students!
- Mrs. Michelle Mason Johnson, founder and CEO of Harmonic South String Orchestra, has a history of high-quality music instruction as well as a distinguished record of building community orchestras. Under her leadership, her students were invited to perform in venues across the city, state and nation. Their experiences include performing for Nelson Mandela, The National Black Caucus, The National NAACP Conference, President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, the Inauguration of Harold Ford Jr. and the Memphis in May visiting dignitaries. Her efforts have even been recognized nationally as she was the local Jefferson Award winner for Community Service in 2004.
- Carl Everett Johnson, Jr., COO, has a 25-year tenure as a public school administrator of which the last 12 were in arts administration at Rozelle Creative and Performing Arts Elementary School. He is a product of Memphis and currently plays cello and bass in the orchestra of Temple of Deliverance, a church within the target community.