My name is Colleen Marcou.  I have been the Orchestra Director at Irmo High School for 24 years.  I also teach Guitar I and II.  I love teaching Orchestra and Guitar because it gives me the opportunity to work with and listen to music all day long - you can't beat that.  I am currently entering my 25th year at Irmo High School and my 29th year of teaching and I still love it!!!

I am currently a cellist in the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra - a position I have enjoyed for 30 years.  Though last year was made up of an interesting performance schedule, we were able to hold face-to-face and virtual or live streaming performances during the Spring.  Live Streaming each concert gave us an opportunity to reach many people who do not often get a chance to see the South Carolina Philharmonic play.  This year's season looks almost normal and I can't wait to get started.  My first love in life is producing music on my cello and I have felt completely lost without being about to do so.  I know many of my students feel the same way.  It's like walking through life with a missing limb - morbid but true.  I am looking forward to student performances as well.  I can't wait to see what we can accomplish after the last crazy 18 months.

I have been playing cello since I was eight years old and still love it as much today as the day I ran home and told my parents this was the instrument I wanted to play.  I began my studies in the Greenville County School system years ago.  I have attended the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of South Carolina and the University of Phoenix.  As you can see I am life-long learner.  I believe you can never learn too much.

I have one four-legged son, a beautiful Belgian Malinois named Sully who is 11 years old - he'll be 12 in March.  He has gotten used to Momma going back to a work schedule away from home.  He sometimes looks at me like I am crazy to be leaving home so early in the morning though I think he joins some of his alone time.  Still, he is always excited to see me when I get home in the evenings.  He helps me celebrate my good days and comforts me on the tough ones.  He is my pride and joy and the best company in the world.

This year will bring new and creative moments to the Orchestra and Guitar worlds of Irmo High School.  We look forward to being able to perform live for audiences and continue spreading our love of music.