The president’s own United States Marine Band from Washington, D.C. performed at the Rabobank Theatre & Convention Center on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
According to the concert program, “Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Its primary mission is unique–to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.”
Dick Taylor, special events chairman of Bakersfield and counsel of the Navy League, said this tour takes place every five years, and there have been two concerts hosted in Bakersfield in 1999 and 2004. The tour consists of 31 days in concert, performing in 29 cities, according to Taylor.
“The Bakersfield concert is one of the largest venues, seating 3,000 people or more,” he said.
Ron Cox, 61, Marine veteran and Bakersfield College alumni, attended the event to support the Marine Corps and listen to patriotic music.
“I saw them for the first time 40 years ago in Washington, D.C.,” he said, “and now that they tour here in Bakersfield, it’s even closer to home.”
The 2009 National Concert Tour consisted of 19 music selections, varying from Civil War music to Irish and jazz music roots. “A New Birth of Freedom” (2009) arranged by Randol Alan Bass, narrated by Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear, concert moderator, was a Civil War selection of music that narrated Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. According to Bennear, “Bass arranged words to music and made such a sensational work of music to be played and listened to.”
Elizabeth Schull, 16, Stockdale High School student and member of Bakersfield Young Marines, said “I absolutely loved it, and I find it amazing to have the opportunity to watch such a great band here in Bakersfield.”
The Concert Tour personnel consists of 57 instrument players, one vocalist, one audio technician, a stage manager and a stage crew. The Musician Enlistment Option Program for the Marine Band consists of benefits, such as working full time as musicians and full pay. Musicians get the opportunity to travel and perform in prestigious events and concerts halls, as well as attending advanced training in military music schools and instruments repair schools, according the concert pamphlet. Requirements and auditions are also required before becoming a part of the band.
After a salute to the Armed Forces of the United States of America, Air force, Army, Navy, Coastguard and Marine Corps, the band ended the night with “God Bless America” while the audience sang along.