OUR CONDUCTOR

Adam DePriest

Adam DePriest is a conductor and violinist from Aiken, SC with a BM and two MM degrees from the University of South Carolina where he studied violin under William Terwilliger and Neil Casey and studied conducting under Donald Portnoy. Mr. DePriest has received additional conducting training from Grant Cooper, Salvatore Di Vittorio, John Ferrer, Lawrence Golan, Peter Jaffe, Jorge Mester, Toshiyuki Shimada, Robert Spano, Edvard, Tchivzhel, and Neil Thompson.

Receiving his start at an early age, Mr. DePriest made his solo debut on the violin at the age of 12 with the Augusta Symphony and has continued to be a sought-after performer who is well-versed with many experiences ranging from ensemble leadership to solo appearances and recording studio sessions. Additionally, Mr. DePriest began studying double bass at the age of 16 and made his solo double bass debut with the Augusta Symphony at 18 years old. Mr. DePriest actively performs with several regional professional orchestras including SC Philharmonic Orchestra and Augusta Symphony.

As an advocate for string education, Mr. DePriest is a regular guest clinician for orchestra festivals in SC. He teaches private lessons and directs after school programs in Columbia and Aiken, SC as well as in Augusta, GA. Mr. DePriest is currently an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at USC Aiken where he oversees string-related studies, teaching applied lessons and string methods, directs ensembles, and teaches music appreciation. Making a local impact, Mr. DePriest helped to found, facilitate, and launch strings programs at Aiken Center for the Arts, Augusta Preparatory Day School, and Episcopal Day School (Augusta). Mr. DePriest has helped to coordinate educational outreach initiatives with Aiken Symphony Orchestra and the Joye in Aiken festival. During the pandemic of 2020, Mr. DePriest founded the Aiken Chamber Music Series as an effort to engage musicians and audiences in a creative way “beyond the podium”. In 2024, Mr. DePriest joined the faculty of Newberry College as orchestra director.

As an engaging conductor, Mr. DePriest has worked with ensembles for over 15 years. He consistently elevates these groups to achieve high levels of musicianship, sparking continued growth, motivation, and providing a visible community presence and source of pride. Mr. DePriest has worked with such guest artists as Rachel Barton Pine, John O’Conor, Awadagin Pratt, Petronel Malan, and others. In addition to directing the Newberry Chamber Orchestra, Mr. DePriest has served as director of Aiken Youth Orchestras and is the founder and director of Augusta Virtuosi and Aiken Civic Orchestra.