Clemson musicians to bring silent film “The Freshman” to life with live performance and a new score
January 13, 2026
Under the baton of Director Kimberly Souther, the Clemson University Symphony and String Orchestras will present their third annual Silent Film Concert on February 1, 2026, at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. Shifting to Clemson’s campus after previous years at Walhalla High School, the event offers audiences a unique and immersive experience.
The concert combines Clemson’s own orchestras with high school musicians in Anderson, Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties to perform the live score to a classic silent film. This year, the orchestra will present the silent film “The Freshman” (1925), starring the iconic actor Harold Lloyd, and featuring the world premiere of a newly commissioned film score.
“Harold Lloyd is my favorite silent film actor, and this film is very relatable. The old-style equipment, rules, and style of play make it fascinating and fun to watch,” Souther said.
Precision in Performance
Leading a live orchestra with a silent film requires a highly trained conductor, as the role goes beyond keeping time. In addition to shaping tempo, dynamics, and musical expression, the conductor must align the orchestra precisely with the film’s timing and visual cues, often using specialized tools to maintain synchronization.
Souther, reflecting on the evolution of the concert over the past three years, explained that the first year used a click track for synchronization.
This year, the orchestra is using “punches and streamers”, a method commonly used in professional movie recording studios.
“It’s a series of lines that move across the monitor in front of me, with different colors signaling different things. For example, one color might indicate an upcoming tempo change, while another signals that we’re approaching a full stop,” she explained. “There’s also a small circle that shows the beat and tempo.”
The term “punches” originates from early film practice, when holes were punched in the film to indicate changes for the conductor. “When there’s a scene change or a major tempo shift, a large punch appears to signal that a big change is about to happen.”
Hollywood Connection
Souther’s connection to the Harold Lloyd estate adds a unique element to the performance. Souther shared, “I study with Angel Velez, who works at Warner Brothers and conducts these silent films. He introduced me to Suzanne Lloyd, Harold Lloyd’s granddaughter, who’s been instrumental in preserving and restoring his films. She commissioned a new score for The Freshman by composer Robert Israel. Both Suzanne and Robert have been incredibly supportive of our project.”
For the student musicians, the experience offers both historical and professional insights. “They’ll get to interact with Harold Lloyd’s granddaughter and the composer, which brings history to life. I want them to see how Lloyd’s films influenced Hollywood and understand the importance of preserving both film and orchestral traditions,” Souther said.
Orchestra for Everyone
Audience engagement remains a hallmark of Souther’s programming, and she emphasizes the importance of accessibility. “I want concerts to feel welcoming. People shouldn’t need prior knowledge to enjoy them. I aim to program on multiple levels, so both first-time listeners and longtime enthusiasts can enjoy the experience. With silent films, it’s exciting to see audiences discover how captivating they still are.”
According to Souther, live music creates an unparalleled experience compared to recorded soundtracks. “Even small points of connection with the audience—before, during, or after the performance—transform the experience. It’s about engagement and making the audience feel part of the music, not distant observers,” she said.
The concert will include popcorn, not only for a snack, but as a nod to historical accuracy. Souther noted that theaters introduced popcorn in part to mask the sound of the camera’s crank during silent films.
“Even though our film is digital, having popcorn is a small, sensory touch that makes the experience more immersive,” she noted.
The Clemson University Symphony and String Orchestras present their third annual Silent Film Concert on Sunday, February 1, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at clemson.edu/brooks, by phone at 864-656-7787, or at the Brooks Center Box Office. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour before the performance.
