Jazzy tunes, rhythm and blues: Quantico Marine Corps Band to march in Mardi Gras

Photo By Valerie OBerry | Crossing the bridge toward Marine Corps Air Facility, Staff Sgt. James Mathis, drum major of the Quantico Marine Corps Band embarks on a four mile march toward Officer Candidates School.(Photo by Jeremy Beale)  

QUANTICO, VA, UNITED STATES

02.07.2018

Story by Valerie OBerry 

Marine Corps Base Quantico

Throughout January, the Quantico Marine Corps Ceremonial and Dixieland Band have been hard at work preparing to perform in one of the nation’s most exciting events.
“For many in New Orleans this will be their first time in contact with Marines and we will be the front lines to what Marines represent,” Bandmaster Master Sgt. David Wilson said. “We are musical ambassadors of the Marine Corps and the representation of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Crossroads of the Marine Corps.”
At least three times a week the band has rehearsed their music selections for two to three hours per day sometimes marching more than five miles each time.
On average, the band performs no more than five parades per year, however, during Mardi Gras festivities the band will perform in four parades in one week.
In honor of one of the jazz, blues and rhythm capitals of the nation, the band will bring a familiar brass sound to New Orleans by performing music selections such as “South Rampart Street Parade” by Ray Bauduc “The Saints” by Richard Bowles and “Bourbon Street Parade” by Paul Barbarin.
The band’s parade schedule:
• Feb. 9 – Krewe of Centurions Parade beginning at
7 p.m.
• Feb. 10 – Krewe of Isis Parade, 6:30 p.m.
• Feb. 11 – Krewe of Mid-City Parade, 11:45 a.m.
• Feb. 13 – Krewe of Rex Parade, 10 a.m.

• Date Taken: 02.07.2018
• Date Posted: 02.09.2018 16:08
• Story ID: 265444
• Location: QUANTICO, VA, US