Ryan Bailey, a Myrtle Beach High School senior, has been selected as the first Drum Major for the inaugural season of the new Spirit of the Chanticleer Marching Band at Coastal Carolina University.

Bailey will be a freshman majoring in music next fall. She was drum major of the Seahawk Marching Band, flute section leader and band president at her high school.

The position of drum major is pivotal, according to James Tully, faculty director of the band. The drum major serves as the head student leader, assists the directors in administration of the band and is chief "morale officer" for students in the band.

Her music honors during her high school career include membership in the Horry County All-County Honor Band, S.C. Eastern District Honor Band, S.C., All-Region Honor Band, Carolina Youth Wind Symphony, and the Long Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra.

As a vocalist, Bailey has been a member of MBHS Advanced Ensemble and the Seahawk Voices as well as the Horry County All-County Honor Chorus. She was also in Who's Who Among High School Students, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, SAT team, Student Government, and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

After completing her studies at Coastal, Bailey hopes to enter graduate school. She is the daughter of Dr. John and April Bailey of Myrtle Beach. This summer, she will attend the Collegiate Division of the Georgia Parks Drum Major Academy and the Tim Lautzenheiser Leadership Weekend at the Bands of America Summer Band Symposium.