Combat Center musicians compete in talent show

Photo By Staff Sgt. Connor Hancock | Gunnery Sgt. Jonathon D. Ginn, field artillery operations staff non-commissioned officer, Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group, performs during the Single Marine Program’s annual ‘Marines got talent’ show at the Sunset Cinema aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 21, 2015. (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Connor Hancock/Released)  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

08.25.2015

Story by Pfc. Levi Schultz 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The spotlight was on Combat Center musicians as they exhibited their melodic, rhythmic and vocal talents during the Single Marine Program’s annual ‘Marines Got Talent’ show at the Sunset Cinema, Aug. 21, 2015.

Performances from 14 competitors varied from solo vocalists to bands with as many as four members. One of the more unique talents, Pfc. Jay Tran, student, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, entertained the audience with his beat-boxing harmonica abilities.

“I enjoy playing music and keeping it alive in a place where it’s not always that common,” said Lance Cpl. Kari Thach, cryptologic linguist, MCCES. “I think it is fun to do this stuff and see all sorts of different musical talents.”

For many of the participants, playing for an audience of more than 400 Combat Center patrons and three judges was a nerve-wracking experience.

“I was afraid while playing that the audience would be quick to judge,” Thach said. “Getting used to that is part of doing any sort of show. Playing for Marines is different than a normal audience, because they’re your peers and it feels similar to playing in a high school talent show. You have to go to work with them the next day.”

Despite the pressure put on the participants, every act was well-received by the audience.

“The talents were a lot better than I expected and I was very impressed,” said Marco Perry, food service specialist, 1st Tank Battalion. “I like going to these events, it’s outside of the everyday norm and helps us appreciate what we have on base instead of just looking over it. We are all doing the same thing when we are in the barracks, whether it’s playing pool, music or sports. Tournaments or competitions such as this give Marines a chance to show off their talents.”

Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Roxas, corpsman, Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, won first place with his performance of "This is How We Do It."

At the conclusion of the show, and with the stress of their performances behind them, the talent was gathered on stage to receive one last round of applause.

“It’s a safe activity that people can get involved in,” Thach said. “It’s different, it’s free and I’d love to see more of it.”

• Date Taken: 08.25.2015
• Date Posted: 08.26.2015 19:06
• Story ID: 174357
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US