Now in his 20th year as Orchestra Director at Sumter High School, Erik Hines continues to elevate a distinguished program, now serving over one hundred students across four performance ensembles. The program also includes an after-school gifted and talented component and a seasonal full symphony. Under Erik’s leadership, the Sumter High Orchestra has performed three times at the SCMEA State Conference, most recently in February 2020, and has earned 16 consecutive Superior ratings at the SCMEA Concert Performance Assessment. The program has also been honored with multiple Orchestra Division Outstanding Performance Awards.  

A seasoned percussionist, Erik’s extensive background includes performing, composing, adjudicating, and consulting for high-achieving ensembles. His recent work features collaborations with SCBDA 5A Bronze Medalist West Florence High School, WGI medalist St. Martin Independent, and WGI finalist Civitas Independent. He composes music and designs drill for numerous marching bands and indoor percussion ensembles throughout the Southeast, including several South Carolina State Finalists. With nearly 20 years of adjudication experience, he evaluates both music and visual captions across the southern U.S.

Erik holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from North Greenville University and is a proud graduate of James F. Byrnes High School, where he first performed in the band and full orchestra programs. Over his 24-year career, he has earned an educational endorsement from Vic Firth, Inc., and currently serves as President-Elect on the SCMEA Executive Board.

In addition to directing the orchestra and teaching AP Music Theory, Erik was named Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017 at Sumter High School and is a Top 5 Teacher. He was also honored with the 2021 Ford Unsung Heroes Award. Most recently he was named the 2024-2025 Sumter Chamber of Commerce High School Educator of the Year. He lives in Sumter with his wife Allison and their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Maximus and Scarlet.

Krystin Baier serves as the Orchestra Director at Bates Middle School and the Assistant Orchestra Director at Sumter High School. With over nine years of teaching experience, she has led her ensembles to consistently achieve ratings of Excellent, Superior, and Superior with Distinction at Concert Performance Assessments. A Florida native, Krystin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Violin Performance Certificate from the University of South Carolina. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys baking cookies and sharing her creations with her students. Krystin lives with her spouse and their two-year-old son, cherishing the harmony of family life and her passion for music.

Now in his 16th year with Sumter County Schools, Mr. Baier has significantly expanded the orchestra program at Alice Drive Middle School. Under his leadership, Alice Drive Orchestras have earned numerous Superior ratings while performing grade I through IV repertoire at the State Concert Performance Assessment. Each year, many students qualify for Region and All-State Orchestra, consistently achieving Superior ratings at the Solo & Ensemble Festival and receiving the prestigious Gold Outstanding Performance Award annually.

The success of Alice Drive's program is made possible by the collaboration and dedication of team members Erik Hines (Sumter High School), and his wife, Krystin Baier (Bates Middle/Sumter High). Together, the trio plays an integral role in developing students across the Sumter Orchestra Program from grades 6 to 12. The support of Mrs. Pressley (principal), administration, guidance, and faculty has been vital in fostering a culture of excellence, driving the growth of Sumter's orchestra programs to new heights.

Mr. Baier holds a Bachelor of Music with a Performance Certificate in Double Bass from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from North Greenville University. He lives in Sumter with his wife, Krystin, and their son, James, born in May 2022.