The Coastal Carolina University Wind Ensemble will perform under the direction of Garrett Griffin, assistant professor and director of bands in the Department of Music, for the first time on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in CCU's Wheelwright Auditorium. Tickets are $7, with discounts available.

The wind ensemble will perform classic pieces including overtures, suites and marches by John Philip Sousa, Giovanni Gabrieli, Ron Nelson, Percy Grainger, John Mackey and Dmitri Shostakovich. The program also includes an annual musical tribute and salute to military veterans in honor of Veterans Day.

Griffin joined Coastal Carolina University in August 2018 and has worked at the secondary and collegiate level directing and mentoring students. Growing up on the east coast of North Carolina, Griffin earned his Bachelor of Arts in music education from East Carolina University, his Master of Music in instrumental conducting from the University of Florida, and coursework for his Ph.D. in Music Education with an emphasis on instrumental conducting at the University of Florida.

"I have always been intrigued by the Coastal Carolina program and the possibilities for its growth," said Griffin. "I am excited to be a part of such a great University, working along many exceptional faculty members and such a supportive administration."

The CCU Wind Ensemble is a premier band that determines membership through auditions and involves students in all degree areas. The group is comprised of both wind and percussion instruments, including an upright string bass and piano.

The Wind Ensemble typically performs four times a year, or twice a semester, but will perform only once this semester as a result of Hurricane Florence. The group will resume the two-concert cycle in Spring 2019.

Other upcoming events in Wheelwright Auditorium include the Entrepreneur Showcase, a celebration of innovative and entrepreneurial businesses on the Grand Strand, on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.; and Pushing the Limits, an evening of eclectic and high-energy jazz from CCU artist-in-residence Steve Bailey, featuring Victor Wooten and Greg Bissonette, on Friday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Visit coastal.edu/culturalarts for more details.

General admission for the Wind Ensemble performance is $7. Senior citizens, OLLI members, alumni, teens, and CCU/HGTC faculty and staff may purchase tickets for $5. Admission for children and CCU/HGTC students is $3. To reserve a ticket or for more information about upcoming events in Wheelwright Auditorium, call the Box Office at 843-349-ARTS (2787) or visit during open hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Wheelwright Auditorium is located at 108 Spadoni Park Circle, Conway.

Visit tickets.coastal.edu to purchase tickets online.