Photo By Pfc. Joseph Altemus | Master Sgt. Kevin Hunter, the bandmaster for Marine Band New Orleans, dances to the...... read more read more
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Marine Band New Orleans traveled across the country to perform for tornado survivors here May 5 to bring joy in the face of their recent tragedy.
The Marine Band New Orleans officer in charge, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mikel Laird, chose to stop and perform for the survivors on their way to Tennessee for the 62nd annual Armed Forces Day Parade there.
As the Marines drove closer to their first destination in Tuscaloosa, Master Sgt. Kevin Hunter, the bandmaster, briefed them on their playlist.
There was excitement in the faces of every band member as the time for them to put smiles on sad faces grew closer.
When the Marines arrived at the park in Chattanooga where they would perform they immediately grabbed their instruments from the cargo storage of the bus and formed up to begin warming up with music scales to prepare themselves and their instruments for the performance.
After the warm ups, they formed an arc around the drum major in the parking lot of the park and began their presentation for their audience.
The Marines performed in their travel uniform, jeans and collared shirts emblazed with the band’s logo, to set a more informal and relaxed scene with the audience.
“The people treat us like brothers and sisters,” said Juanita Burrell, a tornado victim staying in Tuscaloosa, in reference to band member’s friendly interaction with members of the audience. “It’s so great to see the band come out and play for us. It’s like they’re saying they love us.”
Prior to the trip, Cpl. Ben Lary, a snare drummer came up with the idea for the band to play for the victims on their way to Tennessee. The tornado devastated the Forest Lake area, where Lary used to live.
“He lived on Forest Lake. I grew up on Forest Lake,” said Laura Sue Lary, Ben’s mother. “We coordinated the idea back and forth with the parks and recreation association and the band. He had the idea and called us and said ‘I need you to start setting this up.’ We got off the phone and started calling and getting stuff together.”
They wrapped up the show and mingled with the audience of survivors before saying their goodbyes and loading back onto the bus to continue the drive to Tennessee.
Only a short visit, but for the people of Tuscaloosa, one that would long be remembered. The families in attendance that day will never forget the way the Marines brought them music after the storm.
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.18.2011 10:44 |
| Story ID: | 70590 |
| Location: | TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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