Brookgreen Gardens: A Hushed Thrill

Let your mind run free as the sounds of A Hushed Thrill  transport you into the breathtaking world of Brookgreen Gardens. Experience an enchanting new exploration into the eclectic influences of the garden in this special collaboration between Ron Daise of Brookgreen Gardens and students from Coastal Carolina University's Athenaeum Press.

From its beginning in 1931, when Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington created this non-profit outdoor museum with its majestic oaks and world-renowned sculpture, it has been a place to restore your soul and renew your spirit. Every day, Brookgreen offers a selection of tours, programs, excursions, and exhibits for all ages.

Stroll. Explore. See. Imagine. 
Every changing. Simply Amazing. 


"Fillies Playing" by
Anna Hyatt Huntington (1876-1973)

The Project

This project expresses the joy of visiting Brookgreen Gardens -- a hushed thrill to many.   It began with a an idea from Gretchen Downer, a member of The Friends of Brookgreen, for a song that would showcase the sights and sounds of the gardens.  Following the muse of Brookgreen, I penned the words and melodies of these songs and crafted the interludes between tracks from guest comments.  The songs were developed by a dedicated team of music students and staff from The Athenaeum Press at Coastal Carolina University, a student driven publishing lab.  Students arranged, performed, recorded, designed, edited, and mastered this entire project from tracks to packaging. We present this project in honor of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, who established Brookgreen Gardens 85 years ago.

"As you listen and hopefully visit, may you find that "the beauty just beyond the gate/must be enjoyed by you!"

-Ron Daise
  Vice President for Creative Education, Brookgreen Gardens

Credits

Press Students

  • Teresa Calabrese, Design
  • Maria Finkenbiner, Design
  • Enxhi Qemalli, Design
  • Jennifer Butler, Writing
  • Rhonda Taylor, Writing

Music Credits

Faculty/Community Partners

  • Ron Daise, Vocals, Narration
  • Natalie Daise, Vocals
  • Matt White, Trumpets, Fender Rhodes

Students

  • JT Abrams, Trombone
  • Steve Bailey, Bass
  • Chris Colon, Saxophone
  • McKinley Devilbiss, Bass, Upright Bass, Arrangement
  • Alexander Ferguson, Saxophone
  • Kerrine Gifford, Cello
  • Timothy Hardwick, Guitar, Mandolin, Arrangement
  • Stephen Healy, Trombone
  • Cynthea Kelley, Mixing Engineer, Vocals, Guitar, Percussion, Arrangement, Narration
  • Liz Kelley-Tavernier, Executive Producer, Mixing Engineer, Mastering
  • Crystol King, Saxophone
  • Becky Krivaneck, Trumpet
  • Ally Lazar, Trombone
  • Tim Lewis, Trumpet
  • Ryan Mason, Saxophone
  • Wade McMillian, Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Arrangement
  • Nehemiah Menasse, Violin
  • Clinton Patton - Trombone
  • DeAndre Preston, Fender Rhodes, Vocals, Narration
  • Johnny Richeson, Percussion
  • Stephen Sartin, Saxophone
  • JP Taylor, Fender Rhodes, Flute, Trumpet, Arrangement
  • Kelsie Todd, Viola
  • Tevin Turner, Vocals
  • Naomi Schulmann, Vocals, Narration
  • Matt Wagner, Trumpet

Faculty Advisors

  • Matt White, Recording and Production
  • Trisha O’Connor, Program Director, Emeritus