Your band and the Army Band??

At Green Light, we can set up a host of performance opportunities that involve one of the service bands- but before I get into that, let me tell you about one cool day this spring!

I was in Washington, D.C. with the Midlothian High School Band from Midlothian, TX. We were scheduled for an evening performance at the WWII Memorial. On its own, this is a pretty cool experience, we set up chairs, stands and percussion smack dab in the middle of the memorial- with Lincoln to our backs, the Washington Memorial straight ahead and the Marine One helicopter delivering the pres to the White House on our left!

This particular evening there seemed to be a problem. As I approached the memorial with the Midlothian Band, there was already another band setting up for a performance. I pulled out my trusty binder (which we call a trip book) and turned to the page containing my performance permit issued by the State Department. I checked the date and time, correct. I puffed up my chest and prepared to ask this other group to leave. As I got closer I realized that this was not just any group, but the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”! Oh my. (Deflate my puffed chest and change tactics!) I approached a gentleman in uniform who seemed important and introduced myself. I explained how all these kids were here from Texas, and how we had a permit to perform and how they were very excited to perform, and how they were wearing red, white and blue… His response was simple, “sorry, State Department double booked, Army Band takes priority.” Understandable. I tried again, “I see that your concert does not start until 6pm and ours was scheduled for 5:30pm, is there any chance we could be your opening act?” At this point I can tell that this request is not within Army Band protocol and he is bothered. However, he takes a deep breath and says he will go ask the Leader and Commander himself, Col. Palmatier! Low and behold the Colonel is a delightful man and is happy to have the Midlothian High School Band perform right alongside Pershing’s Own!

So there we were, sun setting behind the monuments and members of the Army band sitting in with these kids to play Bugler’s Holiday in front of a packed crowd of tourists!! Happy dance! After the Midlothian band had finished their concert, or ah-hem, the “opening act”, the Army Band began their program and asked leaders from each of our sections to sit in with their band for the Armed Forces Salute. It was SO cool.

Now I will admit, this exact scenario will probably never happen again. It was one lucky night! However, we can make arrangements for your band to have a number of other, very cool experiences with members of the service bands. Here are two of my favorites:

Partners in Performance Workshop (in Washington, D.C.): we hire 18 professional musicians (from the local service bands) to sit in with your band, one per part. It is a 90-minute workshop, under the direction of a guest conductor, working on your band’s music. The students feel like they are sitting next to celebrities, that oboe player finally hears what his instrument is supposed to sound like, and a fabulous educational experience is had by all!

Masterclass with the Air Force Band (in Colorado Springs): this destination has it all; white water rafting, caving, horseback riding, mountain views, and should you need more reason to go- you can sit in with the Air Force Band at Peterson Air Force base for an intensive masterclass with their superb musicians!

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