On April 1, the Pawleys Island Concert Band will perform its annual Spring Pops Concert at Waccamaw High School at 7 p.m.
The band was founded in 2004. According to its website, the organization is "a wholly open community band serving adult amateur musicians throughout Horry and Georgetown County."
In 2006, Carson Turner joined as a musician. He became principal conductor in 2010. He and associate conductor, Charles Mayhew, are both retired Army musicians.
"I was a flute player and he was a bass clarinetist," said Turner, adding that almost all of the musicians involved are full-time residents of the area, with the exception of a handful of snowbirds and part-time residents – with one musician coming in from Canada every year.
Turner said the band was founded by a small group of locals and rehearsed at Waccamaw High School with then-conductor Chris Graham, the school’s band director. Graham has since moved on to St. James Intermediate School.
According to Turner, the primary vision for the band is to provide a place for wind musicians to participate in their art – playing music. The band now boasts nearly 60 members.
"Our style of music is more akin to the Boston Pops than the New York Philharmonic," he said. "We have a symphony of course in town. We’re entirely more laid back than them. We’re here to have fun and to enjoy our time together – and share music.”
Although the band focuses on adults, many of whom are retired, there is also an opportunity for high school students to participate.
"We are proud that every high school student we've had in this band has not only made all-state band, but they get their first choice of college," Turner said, adding that this is due in large part to 14 members who are either active or former music teachers who are willing and able to help out.
There is never an admission fee at the concerts. The Pawleys Island Concert Band is funded through donations from individuals as well as a yearly grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission.
"We're very fortunate to have that, but the bulk of our funding is gifts from people who support the music," he said.
Turner said the band is part of a long tradition of town bands, going back to the days of John Philip Sousa more than 100 years ago.
"We participate in civic events and patriotic events regularly. We do not charge to perform. We do our two formal concerts a year [Spring Pops and Christmas]. This one coming up, we will have I think 58 heads onstage. It will be at Waccamaw High School. They have been very generous to us by allowing us to come and play there," Turner said.
To find out more about the Pawleys Island Concert Band, the Jazz Band, or if you wish to join, visit www.pawleysislandconcertband.org.
ROOSEVELT SLEPT HERE
Did you know that FDR stayed at Hobcaw Barony in 1944?
On March 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., join David R. White, a professor of public affairs from Francis Marion University, for a barbeque dinner catered by Hog Heaven. After you chow down, White will speak about the information he discovered during an 18-month journey in search of details about the president’s four-week stay – which was secret at the time.
The event takes place at the Kimbrel Lodge at Hobcaw Barony. It’s $40 to attend. To register and for complete info, visit www.hobcawbarony.org.
CELEBRATE WOMEN IN THE ARTS
On March 27, celebrate the legacy of renowned sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, the founder (along with philanthropist husband Archer Milton Huntington) of Brookgreen Gardens – and celebrate Brookgreen’s connection to women in the arts at the Anna Hyatt Huntington Women of Vision Award Luncheon.
Expect a keynote address by Thayer Tolles, the Marcia F. Vilcek Curator of American Paintings and Sculpture New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art followed by the presentation of the award to this year’s recipient, Brookgreen’s longtime curator and art historian Robin R. Salmon.
The event also includes the awarding of the Next Generation Scholarship to a Coastal Carolina University student in an arts-related field of study. It’s $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Lunch will be provided by Austin’s catering, and proceeds directly support the scholarship. The program runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For tickets and complete details, visit www.brookgreen.org.
DON’T FORGET TO STRETCH
On March 29, you can benefit from a great dose of cardo while enjoying some of the sights that make Georgetown a go-to destination. The 12th annual Historic Georgetown Bridge2Bridge Run features a half-marathon, a 12K and a 5K.
All runners (and walkers) will start at the Rice Museum Clock Tower on Front Street and navigate past historic landmarks (the Winyah Indigo Society Hall, Georgetown County Museum, the Kaminski House, the old Georgetown County Court House and several historic homes) and through scenic areas of Georgetown.
At the finish line, expect live music and a beer garden – and all participants will receive a t-shirt and finisher medal. Strollers are allowed but must start in the back of the start line. Fido will need to sit it out because no dogs are allowed in the event. Sponsored by Friendship Place. For more information, hit up www.bridge2bridgerun.com.