SC Philharmonic announces new Director of Marketing

Drew Baron joined the South Carolina Philharmonic effective July 13, 2026

The South Carolina Philharmonic announces the appointment of Drew Baron as its new Director of Marketing. Baron joins the organization after serving as Executive Producer and Content Strategist at the Columbia Museum of Art, where he led strategic communications and digital content initiatives. He officially began his role on July 13, 2026. Baron succeeds Chad Henderson, who accepted the position of 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.”

Baron joins the SC Philharmonic as the orchestra prepares to launch its 2026/2027 concert season with Video Games in Concert on August 22, 2026, at the Koger Center for the Arts. The orchestra’s 62nd season features a robust lineup of programs, including returning favorites such as Concert in the Gardens (September 29, 2026), an outdoor performance presented in collaboration with Historic Columbia in the gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion, and Beethoven & Blue Jeans (January 9, 2027), which celebrates the legendary composer’s legacy on the 250th anniversary of his death. Additional highlights include With Love, the Best of the Romantic Period (October 17, 2026), featuring works by some of the most beloved composers of the Romantic era, and The Golden Age of Hollywood (February 6, 2027), showcasing the unforgettable music behind many of cinema’s most enduring classics.

“This is an exciting time to join the organization,” says Baron. “The orchestra has enriched the cultural life of the Midlands for decades through world-class performances and meaningful community engagement. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of experiencing this organization’s impact firsthand as a concertgoer and collaborating with SC Philharmonic and their artists, including Morihiko Nakahara, in my previous role at the Columbia Museum of Art. They have always been a joy to work alongside and it’s an honor to join such a dedicated team. I look forward to helping expand the orchestra’s reach while connecting even more people with the power of live orchestral music.”

Drew Baron, a Beaufort native and current resident of West Columbia, has worked with arts and cultural organizations throughout South Carolina for more than 12 years. In his previous role at the Columbia Museum of Art, he led the museum’s digital storytelling initiatives, producing dozens of 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. In addition, 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.

Beyond his professional work, Baron has been an active volunteer in the Midlands arts community. He previously served on the board of directors for First Thursday on Main, the popular monthly event in downtown Columbia, 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 located in West Columbia.

“I’m thrilled to bring my experience as a storyteller to the South Carolina Philharmonic,” says Baron. “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.”

SOUTH CAROLINA PHILHARMONIC MISSION

The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. We carry forward a legacy of passion for the music and embrace our responsibility to be a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of our diverse community. 

For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, please visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.