Photo By Sgt. Justin Updegraff | The 2nd Marine Division Band marches to a retirement ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune,...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Walking into the band hall, depending on the day, the band room is either filled with the sound of energetic marches and elegant overtures or complete silence. When the band isn’t rehearsing for ceremonies or parades, they are out performing. With a busy schedule and high standards, the 2nd Marine Division Band is always on the move.
Marines with the Division Band perform at various locations aboard Camp Lejeune as well as off base in the surrounding community. The band provides musical support for the five major commands, by performing at concerts, ceremonies and parades throughout the eastern part of the United States.
“On a normal day where we aren’t performing, we are rehearsing all day,” said Cpl. Aurora Mitchell, a percussionist with the unit. “We have different groups that rehearse throughout the day. We also have our logistic areas like our library, our sound department and our transportation area [that we take care of].”
While the Marines spend a majority of their time dedicated to their specific instrument, they also have jobs that deal with logistics, service and support.
“Logistical time we try to do at least an hour a day,” said CWO3 Jack Davis, the band officer with the unit. “For the people in the band that means they are doing all the things that make the band go; that’s not specifically music. They’re doing vehicle requests, receiving requests for ceremonies and other events, as well as general training.”
The band has a concert band, a ceremonial band, brass quintet, jazz combo, Dixieland band, brass choir and a rock band. When the band isn’t rehearsing as a whole, they break up into the different ensembles and rehearse for upcoming events.
“We will do events for Marine Corps Community Services or base,” Davis said. “This year the rock band will be doing the Fourth of July celebration. We will be doing other concerts out in town for a variety of different cities for that same Fourth of July concert. We also do mess nights, funerals, memorials, receptions and birthday ball celebrations.”
The band has been together since its establishment in Wellington, New Zealand, during World War II. They have been called upon in the past to honor, commemorate, celebrate and serve alongside other Marines and Sailors, something that has not changed.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2015 16:46 |
| Story ID: | 160599 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 240 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Esprit De Corps: ‘The Division’s Own’ fills Lejeune with music, by Sgt Justin Updegraff, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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