Photo By 1st Lt. Anna Doo | New Mexico National Guard's 44th Army Band performed a special Fourth of July concert...... read more read more
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The 44th Army Band’s annual training reads like a professional band’s schedule of seven performances spanning seven cities in a mere fourteen days. But that’s exactly what they are: a professional band full of talented musicians who each bring their own expertise and abilities to the ensemble. The band performed in the communities of Santa Fe, Clovis, Portales, Roswell, Hobbs, Carlsbad and Albuquerque, N.M. Audience members were treated to the traditional sounds of the New Mexico National Guard’s concert ensemble. In addition, specialty ensembles played a few tunes for the crowds.
First Sgt. Ralph Harris, 44th Army Band first sergeant, said the annual training was a success because the band was able to do its mission.
“The band’s mission is music and performance. We do our best work when we prepare for our mission,” he said. “The Soldiers are outstanding; simply a remarkable collection who would be successful in any environment.”
Each performance spanned about an hour and was full of recognizable ceremonial tunes, patriotic marches and each military’s service specific song. Additionally, jazz sounds, brass music, and mariachi music was performed by the smaller Musical Support Teams. MSTs are groups of musicians formed out of the larger ensemble to play specific types or genres of music. Each member of the band must be proficient in an instrument found in the inventory of the unit. Many however, are proficient in two or even three instruments. It’s this diversity that allows for more MSTs to form within the N.M. National Guard Army Band such as the first-ever military mariachi group.
Spc. William Wadsworth, saxophone and bassoon, said he thoroughly enjoyed this year’s annual training.
“We were well received at the performances, it was well organized and the concerts were well attended,” Wadsworth said. “It was a ton of fun to play all the concerts!”
Other band members echoed Wadsworth’s enthusiasm for the two weeks on the road touring the southern part of New Mexico. They said being able to play for the communities is why they serve in the Guard. Harris said throughout the year the band practices what is difficult or challenging for them thus preparing all the while for whatever audience, time of year and venue they perform in. Many of the audiences during this year’s annual training came to hear what is considered traditional Army band music replete with nationally recognizable tunes and marches. The trip culminated in a patriotic performance at Veteran’s Park in Albuquerque on the 4th of the July.
Spc. Stephen Segura, percussionist, said of annual training, “It’s been very successful. We’ve been welcomed from all the different communities and after each performance we would go out and meet the people in the audience including a number of veterans.”
One of those audience members at the performance in Albuquerque is the widow of an Army veteran. Mary Lombardo said she loves Army bands, adding the 44th Band was really good and that she enjoyed the soussa marches the best. She said, “It’s been a lovely evening, a wonderful setting. We need to be patriotic; show what we are feeling.”
Another audience member wanted to share the story of her brother, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army. Sara Trice said her brother, Norman Webb, earned two purple hearts, two silver stars and two golden stars. Of the musical performance, Trice said, “Oh, it was fabulous! It couldn’t have been better.”
Members of the 44th Army Band say they serve in part to be able to share the gift of music with the community that supports the Guard. Harris said he looks forward to continuing to play for local functions throughout the year. Perhaps each performance will touch veterans, spouses and service members as it did Lombardo and Trice.
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 09.03.2013 13:39 |
| Story ID: | 113010 |
| Location: | ALBUQUERQUE, NM, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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