About us
Fifteen years of Lowcountry weddings.
Based in Charleston, SC, Coastal Chamber Musicians has been playing for weddings, dinners, and other special events throughout South Carolina and Georgia for 15 years. In addition to hundreds of wedding performances, we perform for clients such as Wells Fargo, the Sprint Corporation, the SC Medical Association, the Coastal Community Foundation Major Donor Dinner, and the US Air Force. Our three core members have a combined 45 years experience as musicians. We love what we do and hope to bring our excitement for music to your event!
Our players
Three core members, 45 years of music.
Austin Fitzhenry
Director & Cellist
Austin Fitzhenry began studying cello at age six with former Charleston Symphony Orchestra principal cellist James Holland. Growing up in a musical family, he had the opportunity to begin performing at a very young age and played in his first wedding when only 11 years old. Eleven years of wedding performances later, Austin still gains a thrill from bringing the joy of music to listeners. In 2006 Austin earned a full scholarship for summer study at the Brevard Music Center. He has performed as a soloist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and served as principal cellist of the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra for 3 years. Austin continues to enjoy each and every opportunity he receives to make music.
Shannon Fitzhenry
Violinist & Coordinator
Shannon Fitzhenry has studied violin for 15 years, and is currently principal 2nd violinist of the College of Charleston Chamber Orchestra. At the age of 10, she attended the Amati Music Festival in Albany, New York, where she performed in masterclasses and concerts regularly. In 2007, Shannon won the South Carolina MTNA Competition. She has performed as a soloist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Orchestra in their season opening performance. In 2012, Shannon was accepted with a full scholarship into the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. Also in 2012, she placed first in the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. Music is her passion, and she plans to pursue a lifelong career in her field.
Monica Clark
Violinist
Monica Clark has been playing the violin for over 16 years. She was taught by Geoffrey Applegate, famous performer, music minus one recording artist, and principal violinist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Monica was principal violinist of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and first violinist in the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. She was awarded Honors Recital Soloist at Western Michigan University. She is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College of Madonna University in Michigan. Monica has directed the Instrumental Music Team at Southern Catholic College and has taught Music at Pinecrest Academy. Over the years, she has classically trained hundreds of violinists both young and old.
Leslie Fitzhenry
Violinist & Violist
Leslie Fitzhenry has played the violin since she was six years old and has performed publicly from the beginning. In high school, she won first place in the Senior Strings division of the South Carolina Music Teacher’s National Association competition. After being chosen as a winner in a local concerto competition, Leslie performed as a soloist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. She now performs frequently for weddings and other events in the Lowcountry and surrounding areas. In addition to violin, Leslie also performs as a violist.
Beyond the aisle
We’ve performed for Wells Fargo, Sprint Corporation, SC Medical Association, Coastal Community Foundation, and US Air Force — alongside hundreds of weddings across the Southeast.
Inquire about your event