Band History

The Pawleys Island Concert Band was formed in July, 2004 following a short meeting of 13 interested musicians. Waccamaw Schools Director of Bands, Chris Graham, subsequently volunteered to conduct and graciously offered the rehearsal space of the high school band room which was gladly accepted. Our first performance was at the same concert in December, 2004 as the high school band's winter concert which cleverly assured us of at least an audience of parents and friends of the school musicians. We had 24 musicians on stage for that first performance and an audience of maybe 150.

The band has grown to 45 active musicians and audiences of 300 or so. Each year we provide a December and Spring concert with no admission charge. Like many community bands there is a wide range of ages and experience among the musicians with ages ranging from 18 to 86 and some who hadn't played in 40 years along with several professionals, active musicians, and retired band directors. We have been fortunate in that it seems each section has at least one mentor to help those of us who need it. Even more fortunate is the artistic and technical talent of Chris Graham whose commitment to quality and his patience in trying to achieve it motivates each of us to improve.

Our history is not very long but if we can predict, based on audience size and reaction and growing financial support from individuals and businesses, Pawleys Island Concert Band will long be a part of our community music scene.