Marine Corps Band
More Info: (413) 205-5041
Info Line (413) 205-5115
MARINE CORPS BAND TO PERFORM AT BIG E 2009
The Albany Marine Band, from Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia, will appear at The Big E September 25-27. The 50-member band will perform in The Big E's Daily Parade on Friday and Grande Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday and Sunday. Both parades begin at 5:00 p.m. Their repertoire includes a variety of musical selections in styles that include Patriotic, Classical, Jazz, Big Band and Classic Rock.
A five-piece Marine brass ensemble will also delight fairgoers with Mardi-Gras style tunes as they rove throughout the fairgrounds in the afternoon during the band's three-day stay. The Brass Quintet includes Sergeant Eric Harris on tuba, Sergeant Alfredo Rodriguez on trombone, Staff Sergeant Kelly Miller on F horn, and two trumpets, Staff Sergeant Steven Williams and Corporal William Merritt.
In December of 2003, the Albany Marine Band was awarded the distinguished "Commander in Chief Installation Excellence Award." The award, signed by the Secretary of Defense, recognized members of the band for their pride and commitment in performing their duties. The Secretary of Defense also noted the Band's exemplary achievements in supporting the mission through imaginative and innovative actions. The Band was also given the honor of being selected to represent the United States in 2004, performing for the Changing of the Guard at the Citadel in Quebec City, Canada, the only non-Canadian band to do so.
In 2008-2009, the Albany Marine Band traveled more than fifty thousand miles and performed for more than twenty million people nationwide at over one hundred commitments in locations such as Essex Junction, VT, New Orleans, LA, San Antonio, TX, and at the re-opening of the crown at the Statue of Liberty in Liberty, NY. They have also appeared on Good Morning America and at The Outback Bowl in Tampa, FL.
Formed in 1990, the Albany Marine Band is one of only twelve bands in the Marine Corps. All the bands' musicians were selected by audition and must maintain a high level of instrumental proficiency. Additionally, with the Marine Corps tradition of "every Marine a rifleman," all Marines in the Band are fully trained to fulfill their secondary mission of bearing arms in the defense of our nation.
The Big E takes place Sept. 18 - Oct. 4, 2009 in West Springfield, Mass. For tickets and more information visit www.TheBigE.com or call The Big E Info Line at 413-205-5115
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