Biography

Saxophonist, Curtis M. Bates is a South Carolina native, raised in the beautiful city of Columbia. Curtis graduated from Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education, a Master’s in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, Columbia, SC, and his Master’s in Educational Leadership at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He has performed all over the state of South Carolina and has received several awards. Some of Curtis’s greatest accomplishments are:

• Special Guest Soloist for the 47th Annual Legislative Conference Gospel Extravaganza in Washington, DC
• Awarded the Midlands Coalition of Churches Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Music Award (January 2015)
• Performed the National Anthem at Collegiate Basketball Games, NBA Games, and Public Service Events
• Performed across the South including Greenville, Charleston, Augusta (GA), Charlotte (NC), Myrtle Beach, and Rock Hill.

Curtis currently resides in West Columbia, SC with his wife and son. Curtis recently accepted new position as an Assistant Principal for a local high school in Northeast Columbia, SC. Curtis has served as a high school band director, Fine Arts Coordinator, and an Assistant Administrator, so it safe to say that Curtis’s passion is making lasting impact on the lives of the younger generation. Curtis is also a church musician where he has played for over 15 years. As Curtis continues through life, he continues to put God first because he believes that through him all things are possible.