MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing band recently returned to the air station from New York City after performances in two Columbus Day Parades and game three of Major League Baseball’s American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium.
It was the band’s third year in a row making the trip to the region for Columbus Day weekend. They opened up this year’s visit parading through East Hanover, N.J., Oct. 7, before making their way to the big stage in front of an estimated 1 million people, leading the 68th annual New York City Columbus Day Parade down 5th Avenue Oct. 8.
“To perform for that many people, it’s an overwhelming experience,” said Staff Sgt. Terri Kopetzki, a clarinetist with the band. “It was as energizing for us as we hope it was for those lining the streets.”
Kopetzki, a native of Waldorf, Minn., added, every performance is important, whether it is somebody’s first impression or just the most memorable among many performances they have seen. “We are ambassadors for the Marine Corps,” she said.
In its last performance of the trip, the band performed the national anthem at Yankee Stadium for the Baltimore Orioles versus the New York Yankees ALDS matchup.
These events signify the beginning of a busy season for the band with scheduled performances at multiple Marine Corps birthday balls, a Veterans Day parade and the annual air station Christmas concert.