UNIONDALE, N.Y.-Lance Cpl. Albert Charles, a percussionist with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, showboats during his solo, much to the chagrin of Staff Sgt. Kristofer Hutsell, 2nd MAW band enlisted conductor, during a performance at Uniondale High School in Uniondale, N.Y., March 18. The act was a crowd favorite for audiences during the band’s 10-day tour of Northeastern cities.
Cpl. Noah S. Leffler, 3/19/2009 4:59 AM
3/26/2009 By Cpl. Noah S. Leffler, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
UNIONDALE, N.Y. — The Marine Corps is always seeking a few good men and women, but for those looking to secure a spot in one of the nation’s most illustrious musical organizations, enlisting isn’t simply showing up to boot camp with trumpet in tow.
Marine musicians are hand-selected based on talent, but finding gifted players can be a difficult task.
During its recent 10-day tour of Northeastern cities, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band stopped by local schools and colleges to show young musicians what the Corps can offer.
"Our primary goal is to create awareness of the Marine Corps," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Benjamin Bartholomew, the 2nd MAW band’s officer-in-charge. "Some of these kids are not sure what they want to do. We come in and do our thing, and maybe it sparks some interest."
Vocal audiences throughout the tour proved there is no shortage of interest among students who witness a Marine band concert. Whether it’s a brass quintet performance during the school day or an evening show with the entire ensemble, audience members, like Malverne High School sophomore Dionna Smith, are quick to sing the musician’s praises.
Hearing them is like listening to a professional recording, said Smith, who plays in her school’s marching band.
"Articulation, phrasing – it was all there," she added. "They’re very gifted and talented, and you can tell they take the music seriously. It really makes you want to join."
According to Bartholomew, the public evening shows have something for everyone, from the pomp and circumstance of military marching numbers to the rollicking swing of more upbeat arrangements. Veterans can be seen standing during the stirring "Marines’ Hymn,” and the comedic antics of a showboating snare drummer during "Storm King" never fail to leave the audience in stitches.
"I think in general they expect a good show," Bartholomew said. "But judging from the reactions we get when talking to the audience members afterwards, they thought it was going to be good, but they didn’t realize how good.
"Our reputation precedes us. There’s a certain aura about the Corps," he added. "First and foremost, that’s what we try to absolutely portray."
The more intimate performances are no less important. Bartholomew said playing solely for young musicians leads to more serious inquiries on what it takes to be part of the band.
"If you’re playing primarily for music students, which we usually are, it’s okay to program some of the more traditional, standard-type literature that they’re interested in," Bartholomew said. "The band students actually appreciate a brass quintet doing a baroque, classical piece."
Some students had a chance to show off their chops by sharing the stage with the Marines. Malverne junior Max Henry said playing with the band felt like he was taking part in a proud family tradition.
"My grandpa was a veteran, he was in the band," Henry said. "I had heard of them, but I’d never heard them play, so I was really impressed by how good they sounded. It was a good opportunity for me.
"This just reinforces my desire to pursue music," he added.
Not all the guest musicians were teenagers, however. For an audience member at the March 18 Uniondale High School performance in New York, joining the band on "Stars and Stripes Forever" was like taking a walk down memory lane.
"It was just wonderful," said Vince Galiani, a veteran who served with the 2nd MAW Band from 1948 to 1951. "I felt nostalgia, a deep feeling for the Marine Corps and the band. It’s respect."
While students, veterans and community members were happy to host the band, the trip was equally important for recruiters. Some schools haven’t always given full access to the military, which makes it difficult to spread the word about a career in music with the Marines.
"In this situation with the musicians, they’re probably one of the hardest nuts to crack," said Staff Sgt. John Armstrong, a recruiter from Recruiting Sub-station Hempstad, N.Y. "Once they see the band firsthand, they realize ‘I could do that for the Marine Corps.’ They see how far it carries them in the real world."
MALVERNE, N.Y.-Cpl. Miles Ledbetter, a trumpet player with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, plays alongside Malverne High School senior Brian Arrington Jr. and junior Max Henry at the school’s auditorium in Malverne, N.Y., March 16. A group of Malverne musicians joined the Marines onstage during an evening performance for students, veterans and community members.
Cpl. Noah S. Leffler, 3/16/2009 4:14 AM
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