Feature: USC Aiken's musically inclined activist, Briana Gilyard

An advocate for human right campaigns, a singer and pianist, USC Aiken student Briana Gilyard values community causes.

Gilyard values being informed and volunteers her time and energy to Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ and other causes.  

“It’s important to listen and to be aware of what’s going on,” she said. “I’m all about community service so I try to help any way I can.”

Gilyard has been working with music since she was a child, and she is hopeful for the future of her music career. 

“I’ve been making music since I was three-years-old. I started with piano and then I got into singing. I haven’t stopped since,” she described.

She hopes that “one day I will be a part of an opera community. Hopefully in one of my dream places which would be either The Royal Opera House or Broadway!”

Gilyard draws her inspiration from many different sources, one of which being other singers. 

“I’m inspired by the opera singer Angel Blue and my voice teacher, Dr. Rhodes,” she said. “I also love watching musicals and listening to operas. Every time it makes me fall more in love with what I want to do, which is to sing and perform.” 

You can listen to Gilyard singing a cover of Ruth Elaine Schram’s, “He’s Gone Away” on YouTube.