Mr. Carl Ratliff

My musical experience began at home with my parents teaching me kid songs. As a member of the children's choir at church, I learned to appreciate group performance. I could hardly wait to enter band in sixth grade. When the opportunity arose, I chose the alto saxophone because I heard it on the radio. Eager to learn, I tried to imitate the sound that I had heard on recordings and radio. I performed in the junior high and senior high school bands. I was selected by audition to the Southeastern District Bands and NC Honors Band. Summer Band Camp at Winthrop College and Southern Piedmont Education Consortium at Pffiefer College enriched my musical experience as well. These experiences influenced my choices for college and a major. Having chosen music as a major at Winthrop University, I performed with symphonic band, jazz ensemble and "Winthrop Singers". During this time, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach in the Winthrop Academy of the Arts. I was selected as a member of the SC All-College Jazz Ensemble. After completion of the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees, I am fortunate to use this training with young people.