Cormac Cannon
Cormac Cannon is director of bands and associate professor of music. He conducts the University of South Carolina Wind Ensemble, guides the graduate wind conducting program, and oversees all aspects of the band program.
Interested in playing?
Fill out our information form to stay up-to-date with all of our events and auditions!
Concert Bands
- USC Wind Ensemble
The premier wind band at the university, conducted by Cormac Cannon, is one of the finest of its kind in the nation. Audition is required. - USC Symphonic Winds
The USC Symphonic Winds, conducted by Jay Jacobs, performs music that represents both traditional and contemporary genres. Audition is required. - University Band
The University Band provides musical challenge and growth as well as fellowship to all who enjoy performing. No audition is required. - Palmetto Concert Band
Formed in 1999 by James Copenhaver and William Moody, the Palmetto Concert Band is one of the leading adult bands in the nation and is made up of professionals and semi-professional musicians from through South Carolina.
Athletic Bands
- Carolina Band
The 360-member “Mighty Sound of the Southeast” performs in front of tens of thousands of Gamecock fans each football season and is the largest and most visible student organization on campus. - Basketball Band
The basketball pep band cheers on the men’s and women’s basketball teams. - Colorguard
The Colorguard is an integral part of the Carolina Band. Members are selected through a highly competitive audition process in the spring before each football season. - Coquettes
Members of the elite dance team for the Carolina Band are selected through a competitive audition process in the spring before each football season. - Drumline
Carolina Band drumline members are selected through a competitive audition process. - Feature Twirlers
Performers for the Carolina Band are selected through a competitive audition process.
For more information: uscbands@mozart.sc.edu, 803-777-4278
Band Faculty
Jay Jacobs
Jay Jacobs is associate director of bands and associate professor of music. He is the director of the Carolina Band, conducts the Symphonic Winds and teaches courses within the School of Music.
Bailey Seabury
Bailey Seabury is the instructor/arranger for the Carolina Band Drumline. He is currently pursuing the doctor of musical arts degree from USC, studying with Scott Herring. Active as a soloist, chamber musician and educator, he has performed with ensembles across the U.S. including the International Contemporary Ensemble, the South Carolina Philharmonic, and with members of NEXUS.
Support Staff
Alexandra Fife
Alexandra Fife joined the USC Bands department in 2018 as administrative assistant and now works as the band's administrative coordinator.
Connor Burney
The USC Bands welcomed Connor Burney into the School of Music family in 2021 as the administrative assistant to the bands.
Band Concerts
Wind Ensemble: Rites and Renewal
Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025
Location: Koger Center Auditorium, See Description for Event Location.
Cost: FREE
Symphonic Winds: Catalyst
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, See Description for Event Location.
Cost: FREE
USC Wind Ensemble: Consorts
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
Location: Koger Center Large Rehearsal Room 128, See Description for Event Location.
Cost: FREE
Symphonic Winds: With Hope
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025
Location: Koger Center for the Arts, See Description for Event Location.
Cost: FREE