ATTENTION ALL WIND & PERCUSSION MUSICIANS:
Please read below if you'd like to have some fun and maybe test out your "chops" by playing with one of the finest bands in the world.
As you know, under normal circumstances we would have been leaving for Washington DC this Saturday to perform in the National Memorial Day Parade next Monday. This would have been followed by the Performing Arts Awards Dinner next Wednesday evening.
I thought that since we can't do that, we can at least have some fun and celebrate Memorial Day by doing what we do best...perform. Please read below to see how you can join with the United States Marine Corps Band, "The President's Own" , based in Washington DC. I'll be warming up my Alto Sax and joining in as well.
BTW: This is just for fun, it's not an assignment.
The American Bandmasters Association and the United States Marine Band invite you to perform virtually with the Marine Band! On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at 1 p.m. (EDT) participate in a special Sousa event with Colonel Jason K. Fettig of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. With everyone joining online, Col. Fettig will conduct a performance of John Philip Sousa’s marches “The Thunderer” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” This free event is open to anyone and will take place on youtube.com/usmarineband.
After the online play along, students through 12th grade are invited to submit a video of themselves performing “The Stars and Stripes Forever” for a worldwide collage performance that will be assembled and debuted on July 4th! Details are below.
HOW TO JOIN THE PLAY ALONG
- Wednesday, May 27 at 1 p.m. (EDT)—Rehearse and play along with Colonel Jason K. Fettig and the U.S. Marine Band (Event will last approximately 15 minutes)
- All ages and skill levels invited to participate in the play along!
- Download your part to “The Stars and Stripes Forever” https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Audio-Resources/The-Complete- Marches-of-John-Philip-Sousa/The-Stars-and-Stripes-Forever-March/
- Click on “DOWNLOAD FULL SCORE AND PARTS.”
- Scroll down to the part you wish to play, counting ALL pages including the title pages. Print your part. Be sure to select print for only the pages you need.
- Download your part to “The Thunderer” https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Audio-Resources/The-Complete- Marches-of-John-Philip-Sousa/The-Thunderer-March/
- Practice along with the Marine Band recordings:
Reference Recording (click track): The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa
Reference Recording (click track): The Thunderer
- On May 27 at 1 p.m. (EDT) join fellow musicians from around the world in performing with the United States Marine Band under the direction of the Marine Band Director.