Inspired by a generous bequest from a former member, Greenville Concert Band is raising funds to establish a permanent endowment to support its future needs. The Greenville Concert Band Endowment, administered by Community Foundation of Greenville, will allow the group to continue to enrich the Upstate of South Carolina through the power of wind band music.
The public is invited to help GCB meet its initial fundraising goal of $100,000. Results of the campaign will be announced at the band’s season-ending concert “Happy Birthday, America!” May 22 at 7 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium at Bob Jones University.
Gifts of $5,000 received before the concert will be recognized on the GCB website, in program publications and on a Founder’s Circle plaque to be displayed at concerts.
Stanley Widener, GCB president, said admission to the finale, as to all the band’s concerts, will be free.
“Our last concert on March 28 at the Kroc Center was standing room only,” he said. “I’m confident that we achieve more revenue and bigger audiences by asking for donations at free concerts than we would by charging admission.”
Dr. Dan Turner directs the GCBWidener, who plays clarinet, said the band comprises about 90 musicians of varied age and experience, including percussionist Richard Nelson, a founding member now serving as board vice president. Many are current or former music educators.
“A lot of members played an instrument in high school or college, and instead of putting it down kept with it, even if they weren’t pursuing a music degree or a professional career in music,” Widener said. “I’m encouraged by the number of younger people who have joined the band—sharp, really good young musicians. We’re not just going to fade away.”
GCB has been led since 2017 by Music Director and Principal Conductor Dan Turner, Ed.D. Turner retired in 2019 after a 35-year tenure as director of bands at BJU. Membership, performance quality and concert attendance have grown under Turner’s leadership, Widener said, and both musicians and audiences appreciate the varied and challenging repertoire he selects.
“Greenville Concert Band fills a gap for people who like that style of music,” Widener said. “We thrive on audience reaction and clearly they enjoy our concerts. Many are surprised and pleased when they hear us for the first time.”
The GCB concert was held March 28, 2026 at the Kroc CenterWidener said GCB is grateful for the generosity of BJU, which provides space for rehearsals and equipment storage, and the public support that has sustained it for over 50 years.
“This endowment will help assure that an active and thriving community band is always here to contribute to the quality of life in Greenville, making music long after today’s musicians and audience are gone,” he said.
For more information, visit greenvilleconcertband.org
To donate, visit cfgreenville.org/giving/donate (select Greenville Concert Band on the drop down menu).
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
