News Summary

Dr. Sandra Field, co-founder of the Joye in Aiken festival and a key figure in the arts community, passed away recently at the age of 82. Her dedication to the performing arts and education has left a lasting legacy in Aiken, with initiatives that inspired countless young talents. Colleagues remember her as a spiritual leader and advocate for the arts. Despite her passing, her impact on the community and the arts will continue through the festival and programs she established.

Aiken, South Carolina – Dr. Sandra Field, a pivotal figure in the performing arts community and co-founder of the Joye in Aiken festival, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Her contributions to the arts, education, and the community have left an indelible mark, ensuring her legacy will resonate for years to come.

Dr. Field played a crucial role in the establishment of the Joye in Aiken festival in 2008, which began as Juilliard in Aiken due to its collaboration with The Juilliard School in New York City. As president and chairman of the board of trustees, Field was instrumental in shaping the festival into a platform that not only featured artists from Juilliard but also showcased a diverse array of talent from around the world. The festival, held annually in March, has since expanded its outreach, exposing tens of thousands of local school children to the performing arts.

Field’s commitment to the arts extended beyond the festival itself. Under her influence, Joye in Aiken has developed various programs, including a Jazz Camp for middle and high school students, aimed at nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the performing arts among youth in the community.

Colleagues and community members have paid tribute to Field following her passing. Janice Jennings, former executive director of Joye in Aiken, noted that Field was the spiritual leader of the festival, devoted to supporting young people and local artists. Eric Boetsch, the current president of Joye in Aiken, remarked on her character, describing her as “one of Aiken’s brightest lights” and a source of grace and kindness in both the festival and the community.

Field, a native of North Carolina, had an impressive academic background. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music from Furman University, a master’s degree in voice performance from Northwestern University, and a doctorate from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College. Her dedication to education led her to Aiken in 1999, where she taught in USC Aiken’s visual and performing arts department until her retirement in early 2007.

Throughout her life, Field was driven by a passion for sharing the transformative power of music with her community. Her efforts to create a thriving arts culture in Aiken earned her numerous accolades, including the title of Woman of the Year from the Aiken Chamber of Commerce in 2022. Despite her passing, the numerous initiatives she inspired and the festival she helped to establish will continue to honor her vision.

As the Joye in Aiken festival looks to the future, the community reflects on the profound impact Dr. Sandra Field had on the performing arts and education in Aiken. Her legacy as an advocate for arts in the community will be remembered and cherished by those she touched across all age groups.

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Additional Resources

• Aiken Standard
• Wikipedia: Performing Arts
• WLTX
• Google Search: Dr. Sandra Field
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

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