My nephew in the Rose Parade

[LuFins Dad]

The military bands are so vastly underrated. The guys in the top levels Pershing’s Own for the Army. President’s Own for the Marines, etc… are among the finest musicians in the world. Most of them have Masters or Doctorates and can sit in with any orchestra in the world. They are also the single largest employer of musicians in the world. Disney is second.

[George K]

@LuFins-Dad said in My nephew in the Rose Parade:

President’s Own for the Marines, etc… are among the finest musicians in the world.

Yes. I see the occasional video of one of the military bands around the holidays. They are, indeed, very good.

This guy.

Sousa's father enlisted him in the United States Marine Band as an apprentice in 1868. Sousa left the band in 1875, and over the next five years, he performed as a violinist and learned to conduct. In 1880, Sousa rejoined the Marine Band and served there for 12 years as director.

[Mik]

Jeff has always been outstanding at everything he did. He was on track to be an Olympic level marksman, and he’s a great hunter. Then he discovered music. He’s one of those kids who can pick up any instrument and be proficient in a couple weeks.

[George K]

@LuFins-Dad said in My nephew in the Rose Parade:

The military bands are so vastly underrated. The guys in the top levels Pershing’s Own for the Army. President’s Own for the Marines, etc… are among the finest musicians in the world.

Today's NYT Crossword:

10 Down: "Group whose band is the oldest professional music ensemble in the US. "

Answer: "Marine Corps. "

[Jolly]

I wonder if they have to qualify with personal weapons at defined intervals, like the rest of the Marine Corps?

[Mik]

Oh yes, they do. He was, of course, tops in his class. A good life for him - shootin' and tootin'.

[LuFins Dad]

@Jolly said in My nephew in the Rose Parade:

I wonder if they have to qualify with personal weapons at defined intervals, like the rest of the Marine Corps?

They can all shoot. Beyond that, it depends on your particular level in the Marine Corps Band. If you are in The President’s Own, you are expected to maintain a certain level of proficiency with the rifle. If you are in a base band, otoh, you are expected to be proficient at a much higher level, and need to be prepared to be deployed to combat.

[taiwan_girl]

That is very cool @Mik As you said, these guys are the "best of the best"

[Mik]

Here's his band. he's stationed at Pendleton.

United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band | California, USA

The United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band is a combined military band composed of U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Division Band, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and Marine Band San Diego. Donning the dress blue uniform, these marine musicians are fully combat trained, and many have completed military tours overseas. To become a musician in the Marine Corps, recruits go through an extensive audition process and additional schooling. Although these bands perform individually more than 300 times a year, the Rose Parade is the only event that brings these elite musicians together at the same time. The drum major for the United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band is Gunnery Sergeant Geoffrey A. Parks.

[George K]

@LuFins-Dad said in My nephew in the Rose Parade:

The military bands are so vastly underrated.

Link to video