From a Carolina Crown press release: Members of 2003 Carolina Crown may earn summer academic credit for corps participation through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's department of music for the first time this year. In a special partnership arrangement between UNCC and Carolina Crown, corps participants desiring academic credit may register beginning April 7, 2003 for "Summer Marching Ensemble," a course which will include the performance season from June through August. Registration is available until May 29. UNCC and Carolina Crown will recognize the accomplishment of corps members who complete a full season of participation in Carolina Crown. One unit of credit is awarded for continuous activity through DCI finals. Individual members may earn general education credit. This credit can be applied towards an eventual college degree, either from UNC-Charlotte, or by transferring earned credit to any other collegiate institution as a general education credit. The minimum age of registration is 17. For those corps members who may be interested in teaching instrumental music in schools, evidence of academic credit for participation in Carolina Crown will be useful to prospective employers, particularly those seeking marching band instructors. Individuals who participated in last year's Carolina Crown full season may also receive retroactive credit, even if not participating this coming summer. Registration is available online through UNC-Charlotte's Web site, www.uncc.edu. Individuals should access "Summer Programs" and then select "First Session Offerings" and click on "Summer Marching Ensemble (MUSC 3301). One unit of academic credit at UNC-Charlotte is $131 and is tax-deductible. Kevin Smith, corps director, and Dr. Larry Marks, UNCC director of bands, will serve as program administrators. For further information or assistance, please contact Marks at 704.687.4470.