The American Bandmasters Association

2010 Convention

Convention Hosts:
Jim Copenhaver, Director of Bands, University of South Carolina
Joe & Kay Hermann, President, The American Bandmasters Association & Spouse

Convention Hotel:
Embassy Suites North Charleston-Airport/Hotel & Convention
5055 International Boulevard
North Charleston, SC 29418
Tel: (843) 747-1882; Fax: (843) 725-1339

Convention Registration:
Click here for the convention registration form.

Hotel Reservations Online: Complete as soon as possible, but no later than February 2, 2010
http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/CHSEMES-ABA-20100302/index.jhtml

Hotel Reservations Via Mail or Fax: Mail the reservation form as soon as possible, to arrive no later than February 2, 2010

Message from the Host
I am excited about hosting the 2010 ABA Convention in historic Charleston, South Carolina. The 2010 ABA Convention designated “By Charleston Charmed” offers you the opportunity to visit the past and experience elegance and sophistication in one of America’s greatest cities. I am fortunate to have Bill and Regina Moody as my team leaders in planning and organizing the convention social agenda along with Joe and Kay Hermann. It is also our good fortune to have a tremendous band staff at the University of South Carolina who are committed to making this convention experience one of pleasant memories for all who attend.

The Embassy Suites North Charleston-Airport /Hotel & Convention has been secured for the convention. These outstanding facilities enable the lodging, business meetings and concerts to occur conveniently at one site, and Charleston’s historic district is only a short shuttle or drive from the hotel.

As you add the dates for the convention to your calendar, 3-6 March 2010, do not hesitate to contact the office of USC Bands if we can be of any assistance to you (803) 777-4278.

Cordially,

Jim Copenhaver

About Charleston
The fascination, beauty, and history of Charleston are like none other. The Peninsula area boasts historical architecture, including stately homes, gardens, and churches decorated with intricate wrought iron. (Charleston’s fabled ironworker Phillip Simmons who was responsible for many gates within the city and world-wide, passed away only this summer at the age of 97!) The Mount Pleasant area (North-17), once a sleepy fishing village, is now one of today’s fastest growing towns in the South with shrimp boats and sweetgrass baskets abounding. Within a few miles of downtown Charleston there are resorts whose names you might recognize—Seabrook Island & Wild Dunes—and sandy settlements—Folly Beach, Johns Island. A ribbon of Sea Islands extends along Charleston’s eastern reaches, offering beautiful beaches and brilliant ocean views. Having the warmth of a small town, Charleston will allure you with elegant restaurant cuisine, challenging golf courses, compelling historical sites and the natural beauty of the Eastern Shoreline.

Charleston Area Convention & Visitor Bureau Website

Select What to See & Do for additional attractions to explore on your own. (If time allows while you are in Charleston, we highly recommend taking the Gullah Tour (http://www.gullahtours.com/index.html), a carriage ride (http://oldetownecarriage.com), and visiting some of the many art galleries in the French Quarter (http://www.frenchquarterarts.com).

Dining
Click here for the dining options.

Traveling to Charleston
Directions by Car
From Greenville-Columbia—Go I-26 East towards Charleston and take Exit 213A. The exit ramp brings you to Montague Avenue. Follow Montague one half mile to International Boulevard and turn right onto International Boulevard. The hotel is on the left.
From Charleston—Take I-26 West towards Columbia exiting at Exit 213 to Montague Avenue. Turn left at the traffic light onto Montague. Follow Montague three quarters of a mile to International Boulevard. Turn right onto International and the hotel is on the left.
From Savannah-Jacksonville—Take I-95 North to Exit 33. This brings you to Highway 17. Travel until you reach the interchange for I-526 to North Charleston-West. Follow I-526 to Montague Avenue, exit and turn right. Follow to International Boulevard. Turn left onto International. The hotel is on the left.

Directions from Charleston International Airport
Distance from hotel: 1 mi.
Drive time: 2 min.
Take International Boulevard from the airport for 1 mile. Hotel is on the right.

Weather
March: Avg. High 68
Avg. Low 45
Avg. Precip. 3.35”

Schedule of Events
Click here for the schedule of events.

Performances
(Concerts will be held in the Convention Center Ballroom A. All concerts are free and open to the general public.)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010--8:00 pm
• Winthrop/Carolinas Wind Orchestra—William F. Malambri & Stanley Michalski, Conductors
• University of South Carolina Symphonic Band—James K. Copenhaver, Conductor

Thursday, March 4, 2010 – 8:00 pm
• Palmetto Concert Band— James K. Copenhaver & William J. Moody, Co-Conductors
• Furman Wind Ensemble—Leslie W. Hicken, Conductor

Friday, March 5, 2010 – 8:00 pm
United States Navy Band—LCDR Richard Bailey, USN
Navy Band Website

Excursions
For information about the excursions, click here.

Thursday, March 4
• ABA Golf Tournament
• Charleston Historic District Tour

Friday, March 5
• Middleton Place Tour
• Drayton Hall Tour

Saturday, March 6
• Charleston Harbor Tour
• Fort Sumter Tour

Transportation Options
If you are driving a car in Charleston, you can be certain that parking in the downtown historic section will be a challenge! Although there are several public parking garages and lots, you may wish to leave your car at the hotel and use other options provided by the convention host.

Downtown Shuttle free of charge Thursday, Friday & Saturday
The Downtown Shuttle is intended for those who desire more time for shopping & sightseeing on their own. This shuttle will leave the Embassy Suites at 12:30 pm and take passengers to the east (ocean) side of the U.S. Customs House. (By leaving at 12:30 pm, you will be able to grab a quick lunch at the Embassy Suites or wait and eat downtown). The shuttle will depart the Customs House at 4:00 pm to return to the Embassy Suites by 4:30 pm.

Dinner Shuttle free of charge Thursday & Friday
The Dinner Shuttle provides a way to experience one of Charleston’s fine restaurants without driving your car into the historic downtown. The shuttle will leave the Embassy Suites at 4:30 pm, park at the U.S. Customs House, and return at approximately 7:00 pm. In your registration packet, we will provide a list of several excellent restaurants within a four-block radius of the Customs House; note that many restaurants do not begin serving dinner until 5:30 pm although you may wait at the bar. Dinner reservations are essential for prompt service in time to board the return shuttle.

If you elect to remain in the historical district on Thursday after the City Tour, or not return at 4:00 pm if you have taken a Downtown Shuttle, you should sign up on the registration form for the second option—R 7:00 PM.

Shuttle to Tanger Outlets Center free of charge Friday & Saturday, Schedule TBA

On-Off passes for use on the Historic District DART trolleys may be purchased for $5 per day. Otherwise, expect a good deal of walking as you shop and sightsee.

Note: Taxi fare downtown is approximately $30 one way.

Next ABA Convention

Norfolk, VA, March 2--5, 2011