The Sandlapper Singers



The Sandlapper Singers, South Carolina’s premier chorus, has presented American music in a uniquely entertaining and engaging style since 1996. Departing from the usual programming of European choral literature, we focus on the works of American composers past and present. Our 30-voice auditioned ensemble performs an annual subscription series of three concerts in Columbia, South Carolina, and also offers five or six performances each year in other communities around the state.
more on our CDs page	The creation of The Sandlapper Singers was in response to a perceived need for a professional vocal chamber ensemble in South Carolina. Dr. Lillian Quackenbush, retired chair of the Columbia College music department, and her husband Dave, organized the singers in the fall of 1996. The membership includes professional musicians, educators, bankers, marketing professionals, pharmacists, and accountants.
We enhance our performances both sonically and visually by adding educational commentary, movement, costuming, and widely varying instrumental accompaniments. We have performed to inaugurate the reopening of the Lourie Theater in St. George, SC, appeared on the artist series at Presbyterian and Limestone Colleges, sung with the Augusta and Charleston Symphonies, and performed at the 1998 rededication of the renovated South Carolina State Capitol at the invitation of the state's General Assembly. According to music reviewers, "their multifaceted performances have delighted audiences throughout North and South Carolina, fulfilling their mission to present 'American choral music in a uniquely engaging and entertaining style.'”
As our reputation grew, so did our audiences, and the need for larger venues necessitated several moves within Columbia over the years. The first two years of performances were at the Lutheran Theological Seminary Chapel followed by a year at Centennial ARP Church. Series performances were then at Shandon Presbyterian Church, Koger Center for Arts, and Ebenezer Lutheran Chapel before arriving at our current home, the new Dreher High School Auditorium, which has a capacity of 800. The Sandlapper Singers have performed in 25 cities and towns in South and North Carolina. We have appeared in various concert series in North Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island, Lake City, Gaffney, Georgetown, Clemson, and Beaufort. We were also featured at the Concert on the Slopes series in Cashiers, North Carolina and Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston. For more information about The Sandlapper Singers, including booking information for your event, click here. To get on our email and mailing list, click here.