Photo By Sgt. Scott Tynes | The 41st Army Band rehearses before a free concert at the historic Hamasa Temple...... read more read more
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Story by Spc. Brittney Perkins, 102d Public Affairs Detachment
MERIDIAN, Miss. - The 41st Army Band of the Mississippi Army National Guard held a performance in Meridian, Miss., on July 9, 2016, at the historic Hamasa Temple Theatre.
The unit, headquartered in Jackson, Miss., concluded their two-week annual training at the historic theatre with a free concert for the local community. The 41st Army Band commander, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Kirk, chose to hold this concert for the first time at the Hamasa Temple Theatre so they could reach out to the surrounding audience. Kirk said this was one way to maximize community involvement.
The band played at multiple locations between Camp Shelby, Ocean Springs, and Meridian, Miss., during their AT.
The readiness non-commissioned officer for the 41st Army Band, Sgt. 1st Class Avery Leggett, said the reason for multiple locations was for the band to reach a diverse area that they normally don't reach throughout the rest of the year.
"We actually get to connect and be seen by the public," he said.
The concert is a way for the Soldiers to build and maintain strong relationships within the area. Those who attended the concerts are able to enjoy the swing tones of the jazz band and the ballads of the concert band. In addition, the music is a way for the bandsmen to showcase their musical talents as an orchestra.
Spc. Charity Parker joined the band while in college. Her civilian life also centers around performing at her local church and surrounding area.
"I wanted to jump on the opportunity to continue to perform after I finished college," she said.
These concerts are a way to showcase the military band to individuals who would have previously been unable to see military bandsmen, she said.
The band holds concerts all year for events and holidays.
Sgt. Lauren Casey, a Pensacola, Fla., music teacher, is also a member of the band.
"One of our primary duties is to be the face of the Mississippi Army National Guard, and we do that through performing for the community," she said.
This allows them to interact with members of the local area and show them different aspects of being in the Guard.
The concert was also a grand finale for Sgt. 1st Class Otis Bailey, who is retiring after 35 years of service. This was his final performance.
"It was wonderful. I couldn't ask for a better experience," he said.
The 41st Army Band has been around for more than 50 years providing entertainment for both civilians and military. The band has played at Naval Air Station Meridian, Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee and internationally, such as Brazil. For booking information, see www.41starmyband.com.
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2016 06:46 |
| Story ID: | 203532 |
| Location: | MERIDIAN, MS, US |
| Hometown: | JACKSON, MS, US |
| Hometown: | MERIDIAN, MS, US |
| Hometown: | PENSACOLA, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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