‘Pershing’s Own’ holds anniversary concerts

Courtesy Photo | The United States Army Band, Pershing's Own, celebrated 92 years of service, holding four anniversary concerts March 14-16 at Brucker Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. The concerts featured all elements and ensembles of The U.S. Army Band performing a variety of music from classical, patriotic, jazz and swing standards, contemporary rock and pop music. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Branagan)  

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, UNITED STATES

03.14.2014

Courtesy Story

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

By Rhonda Apple,
Pentagram staff writer

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - In what can only be described as spectacular, the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” celebrated 92 years of selfless service March 14-16, showcasing the sounds and voices of every element of the service's elite band in anniversary concerts in its home, Brucker Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

With musicians often performing in the aisles, then marching on stage to join the U.S. Army Orchestra and the U.S. Army Concert Band, the program was richly varied with a myriad of musical genres, from the classical opening “Fantasy on Army Strong,” followed by “Australia Antiphonal,” transitioning to the music of iconic British rock band The Who. Lively renditions of “Pinball Wizard” and “Who Are You” were favorites with adult fans and those who remember the rock opera “Tommy.”

Attending his second TUSAB concert, Army family member Zachary Davis, 17, said as a music fan, he really loved the performance.

“Music explains more emotion than words ever can,” said Davis. “I really liked the music of The Who. Hearing it presented a different way, and presented by active duty soldier musicians and the talent [in the band], I really feel I connected more with this music.”

Throughout the program, a narrator told stories of the band’s history, accompanied by photos displayed on large screens flanking each side of the stage.

According to usarmyband.com, the U.S. Army Band has maintained a tradition of excellence as one of the premiere musical organizations of The United States Army. The band was founded in 1922 by Army Chief of Staff Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing to emulate European military bands he heard during World War I. The U.S. Army Band continues to play an important role in events of national and international significance, staging performances from the battlefields of World War II to our nation’s capital, according to the website.

“We don’t get to a lot of the band’s events often, because we live so far away,” said Suzanne Odiorne, who traveled 75 miles to attend with her husband, retired Army Col. David Odiorne, of Berryville, Va., for the anniversary concert March 14.

“I really loved [Shaker Hymn] ‘Simple Gifts,’ and thought it was done so beautifully, with perfect pitch and timing,” Suzanne said.

“They really seem to love what they do and enjoy themselves while performing,” added David.

Other crowd-pleasers included “What a Wonderful World,” traditional Irish tunes “Garry Owen/Drowsy Maggie,” a Beach Boys medley and Beatlemania.

Patriotic music was also a highlight, including “Try to Remember/America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America.”

One particular fan of “God Bless America,” was James Pattison, an Army civilian from La Crosse, Wis., on temporary duty at Fort Belvoir, Va.

“My sister-in-law, who is retired Army with an active soldier husband, invited me today,” said Pattison. “I’ve seen the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band perform during official ceremonies, but never a full concert.”

The over-all favorite with the majority of audience members was the “Armed Forces Salute,” with active duty and veteran service members in the audience, along with family members of military encouraged to stand during each service’s song, as the audience collectively received a hand salute from the U.S. Army Band’s leader and commander, Col. Thomas H. Palmatier.

“I also enjoyed hearing the armed forces salute,” said Davis. “My grandpa’s Navy, my dad’s Army, my brother Will is in boot camp in the Army right now. That piece really connected all the branches in the military coming together for a ‘hooah’ in the finale today.”

For future concerts and events as well as additional information about the U.S. Army Band, go to: www.usarmyband.com.

• Date Taken: 03.14.2014
• Date Posted: 03.20.2014 18:29
• Story ID: 122324
• Location: JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, US
• Hometown: BERRYVILLE, VA, US
• Hometown: LA CROSSE, WI, US