DCI Hall of Fame voices echo through college stadiums this football season

Meanwhile further south, Coastal Carolina University’s Chanticleer Regiment has recruited a rookie game day announcer. Joining the roster is Drum Corps International (DCI) Hall of Fame member and Coastal Carolina faculty member Steve Rondinaro. A veteran TV news anchor and DCI broadcast host, Rondinaro teaches journalism and media performance classes in CCU’s communications department.

Becoming the “Voice of the Chanticleer Regiment” brings his two worlds together: “I love teaching here and being part of the CCU community,” Rondinaro said. “Marching music has been a lifelong passion. Band director Garrett Griffin was one of the first people I met on my first day on campus. When he asked if I’d be interested in taking on this new role with the band this season it was a no-brainer. And we’re already football season ticket holders.”

Coastal Carolina’s music department has some strong Drum Corps International links. Music department chair Jesse Willis marched with the Blue Knights. Garrett Griffin is a former member of The Cadets. Most of the band’s instructional staff have marched in DCI corps. Coastal Carolina also hosts a Bands of America regional competition, which Rondinaro also announces. And the university was instrumental in getting the DCI “Brass at the Beach” show launched two years ago.