LONG BAY SYMPHONY STAFF

Meet Our Team

From the musicians and conductor to our board of directors, administrative staff and volunteers, it takes many people to make the Long Bay Symphony such a special organization. Here are some of the key people who make the symphony operate.

Shannon Farro

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shannon Farro joined the Long Bay Symphony team in the summer of 2016 as an intern and was brought on shortly after as the Director of Marketing and Concert Support. She assumed the role of Executive Director in June 2018.

Shannon holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Marywood University and a Master’s degree in Art Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University. In July 2018, she was one of 35 orchestra professionals chosen to participate in the League of American Orchestra’s prestigious Essentials of Orchestra Management seminar in Los Angeles, CA.

In addition to her work with LBS, Shannon also participates in other non-profit organizations to support the arts. She served on the Board of Directors of Create! Conway as their Vice President and recently joined the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Arts Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the arts through advocacy and public awareness throughout the state.

Shannon also enjoys singing with the Carolina Master Chorale when her schedule allows.

Contact Shannon

Charles Jones Evans

MUSIC DIRECTOR / CONDUCTOR

Since 1996, Dr. Evans has established an impressive standard of excellence for both the LBS and the Long Bay Youth Symphony.

He brings a wealth of musical experience to the area, having held conducting positions with numerous professional orchestras and music festivals across the country. As guest conductor, he has been featured on the podium with organizations such as the Richmond (VA), North Carolina, Virginia and Arkansas Symphonies and the Memphis Ballet, as well as ensembles in Boston, Cleveland, Dallas,
Spokane, Santa Barbara and other cities throughout the U.S.

In Europe, he has made guest appearances with the Oradea and Giurgiu Philharmonic Orchestras of Romania, as well as orchestras in Bucharest. His orchestral performances have been broadcast frequently on National Public Radio.

Evans’ conducting training has included a fellowship under eminent American composer/conductor Gunther Schuller at the Festival at Sandpoint as well as a fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival. He has also studied under Leonard Slatkin, David Zinman, Boris Goldovsky, and David Effron.

Evans holds a B.M. degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, a M.M. from Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music.

Contact Charles

Beth Hamilton

Director of Patron & Donor Services
Contact Beth

Susan Abercrombie

Director of Marketing
& Community Engagement
Contact Susan

Stephen Williams

Youth Orchestra Manager
Contact Stephen

Chad Hammer

Youth String Ensemble Director
Contact Chad

Deanne Renshaw

Youth String Ensemble Manager
Contact Deanne

Nymka Odsuren

Operations & Personnel Manager / LBS Librarian
Contact Nymka

Mark Gillman

Stage Manager
CAREERS

Want to Join Our Team?

Long Bay Symphony periodically has openings for interns and employees with a background in music performance, education and business management. If you are interested in employment opportunities with LBS, please email us your resume by clicking below.

Send us your resume!

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Vinny Oliva

President

Baird Stewart

1st Vice President
Artistic Affairs Committee Chair

Samantha Slapnik

2nd Vice President

John Hobson

Secretary

Kim Smith

Treasurer

Participating Directors

Monica Barrington

Director

Alan Carter

Director

Emma Ruth Brittain

Director

Woody Ford

Director
Fundraising Committee Chair

April Henderson

Director
Education Committee Chair

Leslie Morse

Director

Christine Maccallum

Director

Stan Podkulski

Director

Scott M. Sensenig

Director

Nick Sherfesee

Director

Kathleen Smith

Director

Beth Stradinger

Director

Honorary Lifetime Directors

Jane Williams, Ray Heidier, Rick Spradlin & Cheryl Parker-Hendley

Past Presidents

N. Jane Williams

2021-2023

Ray Heider

2016-2021

Angela Kegler

2015-2016

Lisa Davis

2013-2015

Al Stephenson

2011-2012

Cheryl Parker

2007-2011

Richard Blackburn

2006-2007

Susan MacDonald

2004-2006

Zeb Thomas III

2003-2004

Dr. James Wright

2001-2003

Laurie Stewart

1999-2001

Nick Sherfesee

1998-1999

Dr. Nanette Macasing

1997-1998

Rick Spradlin

1995-1997

B.J. Thomas

1993-1995

Don Hamacher

1991-1993

Betty Sprankle

1989-1991

Diana Swanner

FOUNDING PRESIDENT
1988-1989
We extend a special thank you to our past presidents who volunteered to guide and serve the Long Bay Symphony!
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram