GAMAC History
Founded in 1990 and incorporated in April, 1991, the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium’s roots stretch back to September 1921 when the Anderson Music Club was organized at Bleckley Place, the home of Mrs. Fred Maxwell just one year after the founding of the South Carolina Federation of Music Clubs. From that time forward, the Anderson Music Club worked to promote the musical arts in the Anderson community. As early as 1922 the AMC played a pivotal role in music education, providing music scholarships to talented young musicians wishing to pursue studies at the Furman Music Camp and Brevard Music Center. Additional work included sponsorship of a local piano ensemble and the presentation of concerts at the Anderson Recreational Center. Forming the Anderson Civic Chorale in 1970, the AMC contributed annual financial support to the flourishing ensemble. In the early 1990s interested citizens began to plan for the expansion of the musical arts in the Anderson area. The vision of forming one organization as an umbrella for several musical groups was born. The Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC) received its Certificate of Incorporation from the State of South Carolina on April 8, 1991. Under the new incorporation, reorganization and expansion the Anderson Civic Chorale became the cornerstone of the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium. The following years have seen the expansion of GAMAC to include the Chorale, Chamber Orchestra, Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Children’s Chorus, and the Electric City Big Band. Now in its 33rd season, GAMAC presents up to 10 concerts annually in addition to a variety of education and outreach efforts that entertain, educate, and enrich lives in the Upstate. Thanks to the outstanding leadership of its Board of Directors and the loyal support of its contributors and sponsors, GAMAC is a thriving cultural institution that looks forward to continued growth. GAMAC is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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