Drew Baron joined the orchestra July 13
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Philharmonic has appointed Drew Baron as its new Director of Marketing.
Baron officially joined the organization July 13, 2026, after serving as Executive Producer and Content Strategist at the Columbia Museum of Art, where he led strategic communications and digital content initiatives. He succeeds Chad Henderson, who became Executive Director of the Arts Center of Kershaw County in January.
“We are delighted to welcome Drew to the South Carolina Philharmonic,” said Rhonda Hunsinger, Executive Director. “From our first conversations, it was clear that he is deeply committed to the arts in Columbia and understands how music brings a community together — he knows how to tell that story.”
“As we begin our 62nd season, I am confident Drew will help us introduce even more Midlands residents to the artistry of our orchestra and everything the Philharmonic does for this region,” Hunsinger said.
Baron joins the orchestra as it prepares to launch its 2026-27 concert season with Video Games in Concert on Aug. 22 at the Koger Center for the Arts.
The season will also feature returning favorites such as Concert in the Gardens on Sept. 29, an outdoor performance presented in collaboration with Historic Columbia at the Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Beethoven & Blue Jeans on Jan. 9, 2027, celebrating the legendary composer’s legacy on the 250th anniversary of his death.
Other season highlights include With Love, the Best of the Romantic Period on Oct. 17 and The Golden Age of Hollywood on Feb. 6, 2027.
“This is an exciting time to join the organization,” Baron said. “The orchestra has enriched the cultural life of the Midlands for decades through world-class performances and meaningful community engagement.”
Baron, a Beaufort native and current West Columbia resident, has worked with arts and cultural organizations throughout South Carolina for more than 12 years.
At the Columbia Museum of Art, he led digital storytelling initiatives, producing short documentaries and interviews with artists, curators and art historians from across the region and beyond. He also produced the museum’s Binder podcast, which received top honors in the Technology division at the Southeastern Museum Conference in 2022.
Baron has collaborated with organizations across the state, including the Arts in Basic Curriculum Institute and the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage. He also served as field producer and editor for the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts 50th Anniversary television special, produced in partnership with the South Carolina Arts Commission and SCETV.
Baron has also been active as a volunteer in the Midlands arts community. He previously served on the board of directors for First Thursday on Main, including a term as board president from 2018 to 2019. Most recently, he completed a two-year term on the Board of Trustees for the Suzuki Academy of Columbia, a nonprofit youth music education program in West Columbia.
“I’m thrilled to bring my experience as a storyteller to the South Carolina Philharmonic,” Baron said. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with remarkable artists and cultural organizations across South Carolina, giving me valuable insight into how audiences connect with the arts. I look forward to collaborating with the orchestra to share its story in new and engaging ways.”
The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. The orchestra carries forward a legacy of passion for music while embracing its role as a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of the community.
For more information, visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow the South Carolina Philharmonic on social media.