Frequently Asked MARCHING BAND QUESTIONS

Is the Spirit of the Chanticleer a class?
Yes, the Spirit of the Chanticleeris a regular University course.

What is the course number?
The CCU Marching Band uses two course numbers in the University Schedule of Courses. All of the courses have the same class meeting times. Students will get 1 credit hour for participation in band. Course numbers are as follows:
Woodwinds, Brass, Student Staff & Drum Majors = MUS 124M
Colorguard & Twirlers = MUS 124C
Drumline & Pit = MUS 124D
Horry Georgetown Technical College = MUS 112

How are grades determined for the Spirit of the Chanticleer?
Grades are based on attendance, performance and attitude. In addition, music pass-offs are required which also factor into the grade..

How much time does it take to be in the Band ?
The CCU Marching Band officially meets three days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. Late in the season, rehearsals may be shortened or cancelled when there is no performance that week.

In addition to home football games, the Band typically travels to 1 or 2 away games each year. Other performances include exhibition performances at a couple of regional high school marching band contests (which is our main method of recruiting) and a couple of small events on campus.

Band members generally have at least one weekend per month without any Band obligations during the months of September, October and November.

As a Spirit member, am I guaranteed to march in every show?
Not necessarily. The drill design is written for a specific number of members. We try to estimate the maximum number of anticipated members based on the Returning Vet and Newbie online forms, phone calls, emails, etc. The Band Office makes multiple attempts to contact every potential member. However, there comes a point during the summer when we make the "call" regarding the drill design numbers. If there are additions after the drill is written, then we utilize and "alternate" system where two people will learn a particular drill spot. Who performs that spot is based on who knows there music!

Do hornline/drumline members purchase their own shoes & gloves?
Yes, hornline/drumline members must purchase their own band shoes & gloves. Shoes for the hornline & drumline should be shiny patent leather black lace up marching band shoes with no other markings or colors (see example at right). Gloves must be LONG WRISTED black cotton gloves (see example at left). Appropriate apparel can be purchased at band camp.

What is included as part of the official CCU Marching Band uniform?
The CCU Band uniform for hornline and drumline members consists of a machine washable back-zip jacket & back-drop, bib pants, shako & plume, gauntlets, official band t-shirt, and baseball-style cap. The cap is worn bill-front in standard style whenever the shako is not worn - in other words the band is usually never seen without either the shako or cap. The cap is considered part of the uniform and is not to be worn unless instructed to do so. The "casual uniform" consists of marching band shoes & socks, and the official t-shirt, shorts & cap. Twirle, and guard casual uniforms will be specified by instructors.

Does the Band perform during student breaks and holidays?
Generally, no. The only excpetion to date has been the Saturday before Thanksgiving Break. All Band members are required to participate in this game. This means that you cannot schedule your trip home for Thanksgiving until after the game is over. Please be sure to share this information with your families so that no one buys you a plane ticket until after the game. Infractions are not considered excused absences and your grade will be affected.

Can band members get free passes to games for family members?
Passes are not available for student's parents and/or guests. Parents are encouraged to purchase tickets through The Coastal Carolina University Athletic Ticket Office (843-349-2820).

How many different shows will the band perform each season?
In addition to the Pre-Game Show, the Band learns a 9-10 minute exhibition show that is broken into three parts. Football half-time shows consist of one of the three parts and another tune intended to entertain and "pump up" the crowd! CCU's traditional Armed Forces Day also features the CCU Marching Band performing music for each of the US Armed Forces as we honor them at half-time. All pre-game & exhibition music is memorized.

Where can band members find the other rules and regulations for the Spirit of the Chanticleer?
All students will receive a Spirit of the Chanticleer Band Manual which lists all the rules and standards for membership in the band.

What happens if a band member misses a rehearsal?
Each Band member gets one "free absence" without penalty. Additional conflicts that cause students to miss rehearsal are dealt with on an individual bases. Generally, students may miss one rehearsal a week due to conflicts with other classes (not work or other conflicts). Students must present their schedule to the staff to be excused. If a student cannot register for Marching Band because of a conflict, see the Band Office Secretary for a "Permission To Enroll" form. While we generally discourage students from participating in Spirit without being enrolled in the course, we understand that there are situations where this may be necessary. These requests are handled on an individual basis.

Can students from Horry Georgetown Technical College participate in the Spirit of the Chanticleer?
Yes. HGTC students may register for band by enrolling in MUS 111 through the HGTC Registrar's Office. These students are not eligible for scholarships or stipend awards. Students who are enrolled in the Bridge Program may also participate in the CCU Bands.

Are there fees or other expenses for participating in the Spirit of the Chanticleer?
There are no "Band Fees" or "Fair Share" fees to participate in Spirit of the Chanticleer, nor are there any school-owned instrment rental fees. There are some extra expenses for participation in the Colorguard and Twirlers.

Are there any special items that band members should acquire before band camp?
Yes. In addition to black marching band shoes and long-wristed gloves as described above, students must have the following;

Does Spirit march flutes or piccolos?
All flute players must march with piccolos. We have a limited number of school owned piccs available for student use, but they are on a first-come-first-served basis. If you absolutely have no access to a piccolo, please contact the Band Office.

Are there any auditions prior to Camp?
There are no auditions for the hornline prior to camp - only auditions for part assignments and half time spots during camp. We will post music online on the CCU Band Facebook page (membership required) during the summer, which will be used for part placement auditions at camp. You must be familiar with this music in order to successfully show your true abilities at the audition.

Drumline & Front Ensemble, Coastal Glamour Twirlers, and Colorguard click here for audition information.

If you have completed an online interest or hard copy interest form, you will be sent information regarding your specific section and requirements for audition.

Does the University Housing office allow early move in for Band Camp?
Yes! The CCU Univiersity Housing office works closely with the Band Office to ensure that everyone who is scheduled to live in a residence hall or University Place will have living quarters for camp. It may not be your permanent room assignment, but Residence Life will provide housing, and then we will provide time and assistance in moving into your permanent location during Band Camp should that be necessary. Visit our Band Camp page for details.

Where can I park if the Band Hall parking lot is full?
If the Band Hall lot is full, you should park next door in the Foundation Center lot. It is just a few steps from there to the practice field.