Photo By Rachel Larue | From the left, Leader and Commander of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Col....... read more read more
WASHINGTON - A new community engagement partnership was officially unveiled the afternoon of Dec. 5 when The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” hosted kids and young adults with disabilities from the District of Columbia Association for Special Education.
To offer a relaxed and casual atmosphere, the band opened the doors of Washington, D.C.’s, Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall to close to 100 special needs students and DCASE staff members prior to the opening night premiere of its American Holiday Festival.
The musical field trip came to fruition following a November email and phone dialogue which was initiated by TUSAB Marketing and Public Affairs Director Jen Maly to DCASE Executive Director Lisa Ott.
“What was really neat about [Jen’s] offer to make this concert available to our students is that the kids don’t get to see performances like this very often, if at all,” Ott said as kids from D.C. and Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties attended the dress rehearsal. “After Jen and I spoke, within 30 seconds, I had replies of ‘how amazing’ and ‘this is wonderful’ and ‘thank you so much’ from staff and parents.”
During the American Holiday Festival run-through, the students and staff were treated to tunes and tributes from holiday music heavy hitters like Bing Crosby and Peanuts comic strip jazz musician Vince Guaraldi. An appearance was even made by the biggest jolly old elf – Santa Claus - during the 75-minute show.
As the band warmed the hearts of the students in the heart of Washington, D.C., Maly was quite aware that the kids were a bit awe struck and appreciative of the show.
“What I was fortunate to see with my own eyes was these kids walking into the main orchestra area,” Maly said. “I could see when one of them turned the corner [to see the stage], and he said, ‘wow.’ That brought a tear to my eye.”
According to Maly, logistics will be tweaked to allow up to 300 to 400 DCASE special needs students to attend the 2015 dress rehearsal.
“Pershing’s Own” is comprised of 11 musical components and chamber ensembles and has been providing musical support for all branches of the government and ceremonial music since 1922. TUSAB is commanded by Col. Thomas H. Palmatier.
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2014 12:55 |
| Story ID: | 150445 |
| Location: | DC, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Area special needs students guests of TUSAB for festival dress rehearsal, by Jim Dresbach, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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