Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Price
Hi Andrew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a native South Carolinian, I was born and raised in a small rural town in South Carolina. My musical journey began at the age of 10. At six feet tall, the upright bass felt like the perfect instrument at the perfect time. I continued playing throughout grade school and went on to earn a degree in Music Education with a minor in Double Bass Performance from the University of South Carolina, where I also received leadership distinction in professional and civic engagement.
I began my teaching career at an elementary school, instructing Kindergarten through 5th-grade students in strings (violin, viola, cello, and bass). During that time, I was honored as the Rookie Teacher of the Year for the Charleston County School District and was a quarter-finalist for the Grammy Award in Music Education. I later transitioned to teaching middle school orchestra while earning my Master’s Degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University.
Upon completing my degree, I stepped into arts administration when a position for Executive Director opened at the local volunteer orchestra, the Summerville Orchestra. I was accepted into the role and have proudly served for the past three years. While I have been a musician for over 20 years, I have always had an entrepreneurial and administrative spirit—establishing a small neighborhood business in middle school and running a nonprofit organization during college.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has certainly had its ups and downs. In my career, I’ve navigated the challenges of both teaching and arts administration—balancing creative vision with logistical realities, securing funding for projects, and adapting to the ever-evolving needs of audiences and organizations. Transitioning from teaching to my current role required me to develop new skills in leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning, which at times felt like learning a new language.
More recently, the loss of my mother to cancer at age 62 has deeply impacted my perspective on work-life balance. She never got to experience retirement, which has made me reflect on what it means to truly live a fulfilled life. That shift in mindset has influenced how I approach my work and personal well-being.
Growing up, I also faced challenges with bullying due to my physique. While difficult, those experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep sense of kindness toward others—qualities that have shaped how I lead and connect with people in my professional journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Summerville Orchestra?
Serving the Lowcountry of South Carolina, the Summerville Orchestra is the epitome of community serving community. Originally founded in 2003 by a small group of musicians who wanted to play for the pure joy of it, the Summerville Orchestra has transformed into one of the largest community orchestras in the nation, programming full-scale professional repertoire while also being a “rogue traditionalist” by adding newer works, different works, and creating both a classical and non-classical music experience at each concert. The orchestra has blossomed into transforming the community it serves by adding five large concert performances, more than ten chamber performances, a ten-part adult educational series, a podcast, live-streaming opportunities, and beginning in 2022 a new youth orchestra.
Our organization is unique in that we are creating accessible music to everyone. Our shows cost $25 max with most shows being free and students tickets being $2. We want to truly educate and grow our community’s awareness of classical music and how it can be performed and listened to by anybody.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My view on taking risks comes down to preparation and details. If you know the details, you have prepared for the scenario, and you have researched others doing similar scenarios, the amount of risk is significantly lowered and you can make a situation the best to its ability. Our youth series is a great example of taking a risk. We knew students wanted a free way to perform more, but we didn’t realize we would have over 100 students audition the first year. We really make sure we feel confident with the scenario before taking the risk and while there have been some unsuccessful outcomes, more times than not, these outcomes are successful to the organizations mission and vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SummervilleOrchestra.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerville_orchestra?igsh=NzZwb2licjU2N3Bj&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18cnVLpSmk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-price-31a07ba5/
