The Coastal Carolina University Band Program officially
began in the Fall of 2000 with the hiring of the first full time, tenure
track, Director of Bands. Dr. James L. Tully had been teaching in the
local school system and leading the CCU Pep Band as an adjunct faculty
member, and was hired to bring instrumental music to Coastal full time.
The
first Pep Band started in 1997 with 5 members who wanted an instrumental
music presence on campus. CCU student Matt Dellinger, along with four
of his fellow students, approached numerous faculty and staff members
about beginning a band. After a couple of brief appearances at Coastal
basketball games, it became apparent that some sort of faculty leadership
was needed. In 1998, Dr. Tully was approached about becoming Pep Band
Director, and held this position as an adjunct faculty member until being
hired on a full time basis in the Fall of 2000.
Since that time, the Band Program has grown into a complete
and comprehensive collegiate band program with a Symphonic Band, Pep Band,
Jazz Band and a new Marching Band in the Fall of 2003. There are also
numerous chamber ensembles such as flute choir, percussion ensembles,
brass choir and quintet, and saxophone ensembles.
Another
milestone was reached in the Fall of 2003 with the hiring of Mr. Kurry
Seymour as Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion for
the Music Department. Since his hiring, Mr. Seymour has developed a Percussion
Ensemble, Steel Band, African Ensemble, and Taiko Drum Ensemble, as well
as the Spirit of the Chanticleer Drumline. In addition to Mr. Seymour,
the Coastal Music Department has hired the following full time faculty
members who are involved with instrumental music:
Dan O'Reilly - Saxophone, Pop Music & Jazz Band
Dr. Tonya Propst - Assistant Professor of Music Education
and Brass
Dr. Amy Tully - Flute and Music History
In November 2005, the Coastal Band Hall opened with space
for large ensemble rehearsal, faculty offices, practice rooms, and a percussion
studio. The Spirit of the Chanticleer Marching Band practice field and
storage facility is located behind the Band Hall.