thedrifter
09-28-06, 06:55 AM
Thursday, September 28, 2006
The bonding of the bands
The Marine Corps' official musicians play a short concert for Anaheim Hills high school students – to teach and inspire.
By ERIN UY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
ANAHEIM – Most people don't equate band camp with Marine Corps boot camp.
But for some members of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, boot camp and band camp go hand in hand.
"What makes a great musician also makes a good Marine," Staff Sgt. Mark Reheard told more than 100 students.
Both roles require attention to detail, discipline, teamwork and realistic goals, he said.
Reheard, 31, was among five Marine Band San Diego musicians who visited Canyon High School for a performance and clinic Wednesday.
Reheard, a trumpet player from Omaha, Neb., represented the 45-member San Diego band, one of 12 Marine Corps bands in the nation.
The group performs in parades and is a Marine outreach and recruiting tool.
To join, Marines must go through a stiff selection process that requires several auditions to make the cut, Reheard said.
Band members must learn about rhythm, be prepared to stand at attention for hours on a hot day, practice persistently and have a passion for perfection, said Sgt. Ronnie Orange, a saxophone player from Kentucky.
"We are perfectionists at everything we do," said Orange, 22.
The band's diligence resonated through its smooth rhythm and crisp sound, said Paula Morris, Canyon's band president.
"I respect them. There's a lot to it. You have to practice," she said. "When I watch great musicians like that, it's like watching the Angels win a game."
Morris, a senior, recalls her first concert watching a Marine marching band at a parade.
"It was perfect," she said.
Morris plays the flute and would like to be a career musician.
Hearing the Marines play patriotic songs or fun melodies such as the James Bond theme inspired her.
The Marine band allowed students to absorb a high level of musicianship, said Harold Witten, Canyon High band director.
Student band members take their music seriously, with practices every weekday morning, section rehearsals, three-hour practices once a week and private practice.
The Canyon High band includes jazz, symphonic, orchestra and marching ensembles and performs at local events and marching band competitions.
The Marine band's visit offers insight into other opportunities, Witten said.
It's still early for Nishad Sathe, a sophomore, to decide on his life after high school, but the Marines have stimulated his interest. Band is a big part of his academic experience and personal growth, and he is looking for a chance to continue both.
"It seems worth it. You serve your country and do what you like – play music," Sathe said.
CONTACT US: 714-704-3709 or euy@ocregister.com
Marine Corps Band
•The Marine Corps Band is America's oldest professional musical organization, established by an act of Congress in 1798.
•The band consists of the ceremonial band, the concert band and several small ensembles.
•Each musician must complete a series of recruit and combat trainings and then be trained at the Armed Forces School of Music.
•John Philip Sousa, who wrote "The Stars and Stripes Forever," is a famous Marine Corps Band composer.
Marine Band, San Diego
For more than 85 years, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego has mustered a 45-member and that performs six ensembles: a concert band, show band, brass quintet, party band, jazz combo and marching band.
Among the band's most popular performances are the Rose Parade, Holiday Bowl Parade and summer concert series.
Ellie
The bonding of the bands
The Marine Corps' official musicians play a short concert for Anaheim Hills high school students – to teach and inspire.
By ERIN UY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
ANAHEIM – Most people don't equate band camp with Marine Corps boot camp.
But for some members of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, boot camp and band camp go hand in hand.
"What makes a great musician also makes a good Marine," Staff Sgt. Mark Reheard told more than 100 students.
Both roles require attention to detail, discipline, teamwork and realistic goals, he said.
Reheard, 31, was among five Marine Band San Diego musicians who visited Canyon High School for a performance and clinic Wednesday.
Reheard, a trumpet player from Omaha, Neb., represented the 45-member San Diego band, one of 12 Marine Corps bands in the nation.
The group performs in parades and is a Marine outreach and recruiting tool.
To join, Marines must go through a stiff selection process that requires several auditions to make the cut, Reheard said.
Band members must learn about rhythm, be prepared to stand at attention for hours on a hot day, practice persistently and have a passion for perfection, said Sgt. Ronnie Orange, a saxophone player from Kentucky.
"We are perfectionists at everything we do," said Orange, 22.
The band's diligence resonated through its smooth rhythm and crisp sound, said Paula Morris, Canyon's band president.
"I respect them. There's a lot to it. You have to practice," she said. "When I watch great musicians like that, it's like watching the Angels win a game."
Morris, a senior, recalls her first concert watching a Marine marching band at a parade.
"It was perfect," she said.
Morris plays the flute and would like to be a career musician.
Hearing the Marines play patriotic songs or fun melodies such as the James Bond theme inspired her.
The Marine band allowed students to absorb a high level of musicianship, said Harold Witten, Canyon High band director.
Student band members take their music seriously, with practices every weekday morning, section rehearsals, three-hour practices once a week and private practice.
The Canyon High band includes jazz, symphonic, orchestra and marching ensembles and performs at local events and marching band competitions.
The Marine band's visit offers insight into other opportunities, Witten said.
It's still early for Nishad Sathe, a sophomore, to decide on his life after high school, but the Marines have stimulated his interest. Band is a big part of his academic experience and personal growth, and he is looking for a chance to continue both.
"It seems worth it. You serve your country and do what you like – play music," Sathe said.
CONTACT US: 714-704-3709 or euy@ocregister.com
Marine Corps Band
•The Marine Corps Band is America's oldest professional musical organization, established by an act of Congress in 1798.
•The band consists of the ceremonial band, the concert band and several small ensembles.
•Each musician must complete a series of recruit and combat trainings and then be trained at the Armed Forces School of Music.
•John Philip Sousa, who wrote "The Stars and Stripes Forever," is a famous Marine Corps Band composer.
Marine Band, San Diego
For more than 85 years, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego has mustered a 45-member and that performs six ensembles: a concert band, show band, brass quintet, party band, jazz combo and marching band.
Among the band's most popular performances are the Rose Parade, Holiday Bowl Parade and summer concert series.
Ellie