Sumter Community Concert Band

The Sumter Community Concert Band (SCCB) is a nonprofit organization and a vibrant part of the cultural landscape in Sumter, South Carolina. Founded in 1982, the SCCB is managed by a board of directors elected from within its membership and operates as a tax-exempt corporation. It is supported by membership dues, patron contributions, and grants, including partial funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

History and Mission

The Sumter Community Concert Band made its debut on November 14, 1982, at the historic Opera House on Main Street in Sumter. Since its inception, the band has performed regularly at various venues across the region, including Patriot Hall in Sumter, Palmetto Park Amphitheater, Sumter High School, and the Nettles-Schwartz Auditorium at USC Sumter. The SCCB has also been associated with performances at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Shaw Air Force Base, and Bishopville's Opera House.

The SCCB is driven by four major purposes:

1. To provide an opportunity for individual musical expression and growth among its members.
2. To contribute to the cultural enrichment of the community through free public concerts.
3. To foster a sense of community and camaraderie among musicians of diverse backgrounds.
4. To promote appreciation for quality band music.

Operations and Membership

The band's membership is diverse, comprising adults from Sumter, Shaw Air Force Base, and surrounding areas with varied backgrounds, including professionals like teachers, lawyers, physicians, and homemakers. Membership is open to any adult with prior band experience who is committed to participating in rehearsals and concerts. The SCCB season typically runs from late August to late May, with rehearsals held on Thursday evenings.

Concerts and Performances

The Sumter Community Concert Band presents four to five concerts annually, all of which are open to the public at no charge. Although the band primarily performs as a concert band, community bands often engage in a variety of musical activities, including outdoor concerts during summer months and performances at patriotic events.

Leadership and Recent Developments

As of 2023, the band welcomed Sean Hackett as its new conductor. Hackett, a saxophonist and former middle school band teacher, was raised in Sumter, bringing a deep understanding of the local musical community to his role.

Impact and Community Engagement

The SCCB plays an integral role in enriching the cultural landscape of Sumter through its commitment to quality music and community engagement. It reflects the broader tradition of community bands in the United States, which have a long history of fostering musical and social connections among community members.

[1] http://www.sumterband.org/about-us.html [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_band [3] http://www.sumterband.org [4] https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/street-squad/sumter/sumter-community-concert-bands-new-conductor/101-a3a2c1fd-84f7-403a-8f23-73fa0adb75d0 [5] https://www.theitem.com/stories/sumter-community-concert-band-to-perform-movie-musical-soundtracks-at-patriot-hall,398820