Photo By Valerie OBerry | "The President's Own" United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra String Quartet's ...... read more read more
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The string quartet, comprised of Staff Sgts. Christopher Franke (violin), Sheng-Tsung Wang (violin), Sarah Hart (viola) and Charlaine Prescott (cello), performed musical selections from their White House collection.
The pieces included, “The Lark” by Joseph Haydn, “American” by Antonín Dvořák, “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Unger and “Por Una Cabeza” by Carlos Gardel.
The President’s Own is known to have included strings when performing for major White House functions dating back to 1878.
During the intermission Gunnery Sgt. Kira Wharton, USMB historian, educated the audience about the history of the orchestra and their primary mission—performing for the president of the United States and the commandant of the Marine Corps.
According to Wharton the most important thing she can offer an audience is an appreciation for music and inspiration to shoot for their own personal goals.
The USMB, the only musical unit bearing the title The President’s Own was founded in 1798 by an act of congress. The band is America’s oldest professional musical organization and is celebrated for its role at the White House and its dynamic public performances.
However, the USMB – MCO wasn’t officially established until 1955 after being designated a concert ensemble composed of wind, percussion and string instruments.
It was William Santelmann, director of the band for 29 years, who brought string instruments into the band.
Santelmann was one of 28 directors of The President’s Own—the first leader of the USMB being William Farr.
However, it was John Philip Sousa who was responsible for bringing the band to its level of excellence and success that it is today.
Today the band is comprised of an array of musicians skilled in playing various instruments, with more than 60 percent holding advanced degrees in music.
Hart told the audience she has played her instrument for most of her life, because music is her passion.
“Playing as part of the Marine Band is an experience of a lifetime—something I once only dreamed of,” Hart said.
Musicians are selected at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras. Those chosen enlist in the Marine Corps and are assigned to the band for permanent duty, practicing, traveling and performing 500 concerts annually, 200 of which are at the White House.
The band performs at state dinners, ceremonies, receptions and other events of national significance, with performances ranging from small ensembles, such as a solo pianist or string quartet , which was seen at Warner Auditorium recently, to events that feature the full chamber orchestra.
In addition to appearances at the White House, the orchestra also performs annual concerts during their showcase and summer series.
The orchestra also frequently participates in chamber ensemble recitals and educational outreach programs featuring a variety of smaller instrumental groups, such as the string quartet.
It was Kasilyn, a 17-year-old high school senior and cello player’s dream to see the orchestra play live.
Her father was in the Marine Corps and she believes the perfect way to honor his service is to one day try and audition for the orchestra.
“I have a lot of work to do to get to their level, but I was truly inspired by their passion for music,” Kasilyn said. “The performance only made me want to play my cello so much more.”
jbeale@quanticosentryonline.com
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2017 08:12 |
| Story ID: | 253271 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Whimsical strings resonate within Marine Corps University’s Warner Auditorium, by Jeremy Beale, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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