Charleston Independent Schools 2016

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| | www.ed.sc.gov ISD 26
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Noteworthy
ALLEgrO CHArTEr SCHOOL Of MuSIC
Walking into Allegro Charter School of Music, I’m
immediately hit by the sound of piano and pluck
of an upright bass. Founded in 2015, this beacon
of creativity has already managed to rack up a waiting list.
The only school of its kind in South Carolina, Allegro is, well,
noteworthy. Focusing on fostering
academic growth through music, the
school has already received visits from film crews looking to
document the magic that seeps from its classrooms.
“The response from the community has been very
positive,” said Daniel Neikirk, who was recently named
principal. “Charleston is such a world-class, artistically rich
city, we thought it appropriate to have a school in its center
that matches and reflects that.”
The local art community has already welcomed Allegro
by offering guidance and funds. Members of The Charleston
Symphony Orchestra have dedicated time to helping these
budding musicians excel at their craft, while Girls Rock
Charleston and Jazz Artists of Charleston have shared
platforms to further propel Allegro’s message.
While students at Allegro have a longer school day, it is
filled with priceless interactions and a soundtrack to match.
Currently, grades 6 through 10 are offered, but the school
plans on adding 11th and 12th grades.
The music selection performed is varied. One minute
students can be playing Bach and the next jamming out to
Bruno Mars. Pop, rock and rap are genres that kids are free to
explore, keeping them engaged and interested.
“It’s an amazing feeling to watch a child who was once
painfully shy come out of his or her shell and shine,” said
Neikirk. “Kids go from not even knowing how to hold an
instrument to accomplishing things I didn’t even get to do
until college.”
At Allegro, students are encouraged to find their own
rhythm.
To learn more, visit or call
843-297-8033.
By KALENE MCCOrT
Allegro Charter School of Music
120 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843.297.8033
Producing inspired thinkers and creative
members of society through the infusion of music into an
academically challenging environment.
MUSIC
ACADEMICS
CREATIVITY