By Jim Dresbach
Pentagram Staff Writer
JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - The latest U.S. Army Band’s “Pershing’s Own” documentary was previewed April 29 at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s Brucker Hall.
The showing of “In China,” which chronicles a TUSAB visit to China, was attended by 100 viewers.
According to the film’s videographer and band video producer Les Owen, the screening’s purpose was to receive comments and feedback.
“There was a standing ovation at the end. That was a pretty positive reaction,” Owen said of the general reaction toward the 58-minute film. “They all laughed in the right places. Nothing was lost on the audience.”
The band’s Chinese counterparts have yet to view the film, but after some final tweaking to the product, a copy of the film will be given to the Chinese as a gift. Plus, those inside Brucker Hall are also hoping “In China” will gain some critical acclaim.
“Our goal is to reach out to public television [and other cable outlets] and those venues known for [airing] documentaries,” said Owen. “That has been the plan all along to try to get exposure … to get it publically aired and to get it into film festivals, as well.”
A double feature of band documentaries is scheduled later this month. The day after Memorial Day, May 28, at 5 p.m., a pair of TUSAB films will be screened at the Women in Military Service For America Memorial auditorium. “Capturing a Moment,” a documentary about the making of the Arlington National Cemetery bugler statue, and “Sons of Soldiers” will be shown.