Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Jim Remington | Master Sgt. Matthew Irish, a baritone vocalist with the Singing Sergeants, The United...... read more read more
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WASHINGTON - When Master Sgt. Matthew Irish joined the Air Force at the age of 25, from his hometown Dallas, Texas, he became a singer for the premier Air Force band, using his voice as his key instrument.
“Singing has always been a part of my life,” expressed Irish.
With a bachelor’s degree in music education from Hardin-Simmons University, in Abilene, Texas, and a master’s degree in music in conducting from Southwestern Seminary, in Fort Worth, Texas, Irish knew he wanted a career that would provide a variety in music.
Many of his friends, family members and even several of his professors encouraged him to really consider the military as a career. “I never planned to be in the military, but they presented it in such a way that I decided to give it a shot and here I am today, 14 years later,” smiled Irish.
As a small child, Irish started singing in church and in school, landing a spot with the Texas All-State Choir.
Although he didn’t originally plan to be a vocal performer for an entire career, he started to realize that music was something of which he couldn’t let go, and the Air Force Band ended up being “the best fit” for him.
“The benefits that you receive in the Air Force are tremendous and I don’t think are paralleled really well on the outside,” said Irish. He mentioned that aside from the tangible benefits, the Air Force and the band are a family that has the ability to work and grow together.
Reflecting on the levels of performances he has been able to do, Irish said, “It’s not often that you’re able to perform for the president and heads of states.”
Although in some cases, one can perform for the president, but to Irish, the privilege of performing in uniform is the greatest honor.
“I am proud to be a part of a long heritage that goes back 67 years; it’s great to be a part of the service,” said Irish.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2014 14:09 |
| Story ID: | 144076 |
| Location: | DC, US |
| Web Views: | 566 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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