FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 – 8:00 PM
LMEA State Virtual Solo Recital. LMEA is proud to offer a unique performance opportunity for Louisiana’s instrumental, strings, and vocal students. A recital featuring ten of the finest instrumentalists and vocalists in Louisiana will be the featured performance on the first night of the 2020 LMEA Virtual State Conference.
Information about music and entry requirements can be found on the State Solo Assessment page under the Assessment tab on the LMEA website. Soloists will be selected from video entries submitted for the Virtual State Solo Festival.
We are always so proud of our students, especially when faced with adversity. Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their talents!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020 – 12:00 PM
The U.S. Army Blues Swamp Romp, representing The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” has been active for almost two decades, performing traditional jazz and folk music of Louisiana in support of recruiting and community outreach initiatives throughout our nation. Past performances include national broadcasts on ESPN, Emeril Live, and WWOZ’s renowned New Orleans Music Show. In addition, the Swamp Romp has supported vital volunteer efforts, including America’s Gulf Coast rebuilding operations implemented after Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact.
As with each group within The U.S. Army Band, members of Swamp Romp are deeply committed to education as part of its mission. The Swamp Romp regularly presents concerts and clinics in public schools and at major universities, promoting the proven cross b
enefits between childhood music participation and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Through the years, there has only been one constant: no two Swamp Romp performances have EVER been the same. Improvisation, audience interaction, humor, joy, and audacity all combine to create a musical gumbo unique to each occasion. In performances, all musicians, even those without jazz experience, are enthusiastically encouraged to collaborate with colleagues through impromptu jam sessions, looking away from the printed page whenever possible. Magic happens when friends join together for bold, unplanned musical journeys. This live recording captures the spontaneity, camaraderie, and jubilance of this unique ensemble’s onstage performances.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020 – 6:00 PM
The Navy Band Sea Chanters are the United States Navy’s official chorus. The ensemble performs a variety of music including traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway and contemporary music. The Sea Chanters regularly perform for the public in the Washington, D.C., area and throughout the United States while on national tours. At home in Washington, they perform for the president, vice president and numerous congressional, military and foreign dignitaries. In 1956, Lt. Harold Fultz, then the band’s assistant leader, organized a vocal group from the Navy School of Music to sing chanteys and patriotic songs for the State of the Nation dinner. Recognizing the ensemble’s immediate success, Adm. Arleigh Burke, then chief of naval operations, transferred the group to the Navy Band, named them the Sea Chanters and tasked this all-male chorus with perpetuating (preserving?) the songs of the sea. In 1980, the group added women to its ranks and expanded its repertoire to include everything from Brahms to Broadway.
The Sea Chanters are frequently found at the center of our most important national events, including inauguration day performances and state funerals. They have played a vital role in comforting the nation in times of mourning, including appearances at memorials for the astronauts of the space shuttle Columbia and the presidential wreath laying ceremony at the United Airlines flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Their performance of “Amazing Grace” for the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance at the National Cathedral in Washington after the events of 9/11 inspired all in attendance as well as a national television audience. In 2004, the chorus participated in President Reagan’s funeral at the National Cathedral, and in 2007 performed in the U.S. Capitol’s rotunda as President Ford was lying in state. The chorus was instrumental in the dedication ceremonies of the World War II memorials in Bedford, Virginia and in Washington. In 1994, they provided music at the funeral of President Nixon in Yorba Linda, California and the interment of first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis at Arlington National Cemetery. They have appeared at the Kennedy Center Honors and with the National Symphony Orchestra for the nationally telecast “National Memorial Day Concerts” at the U.S. Capitol. In addition, the group has appeared on “Larry King Live” and “CBS This Morning” as well as at the premier of the movie “Pearl Harbor.” In 2008, the Sea Chanters performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir under the direction of Mack Wilburg. Noted choral directors Dale Warland and Donald Neuen have guest conducted the ensemble, and renowned composers Michael McCarthy, Roger Bourland, William MacDuff and Lloyd Pfautsch have written works especially for the ensemble. Other notable orchestral appearances include the Kansas City Symphony, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The Sea Chanters have enjoyed a great reputation performing with such stars as Perry Como, Marian Anderson, Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie. Throughout their history, the Sea Chanters have remained true to the Navy’s watchwords of pride and professionalism, and they continue to flourish as a vibrant ensemble.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020 – 5:00 PM
The “President’s Own” Marine Band performs a varied repertoire including new works for wind ensemble, traditional concert band literature, challenging orchestral transcriptions, and the patriotic marches that made it famous. The band frequently features its members in solo performances that highlight their virtuosity and artistry.
At the White House: The U.S. Marine Band is the only musical unit that bears the title “The President’s Own” and whose mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The relationship between the Marine Band and the White House began on New Year’s Day in 1801, when President John Adams invited the Band to perform at the Executive Mansion. Later that year, the Marine Band began a very important tradition by participating in Thomas Jefferson’s first Inaugural. The Marine Band has performed for every Presidential Inaugural since.
The Marine Band performs at the White House for:
- Events of national importance such as State Arrivals* and national days of remembrance
- Holiday events such as the National Christmas Tree Lighting, Easter Egg Roll, and Independence Day
- White House activities such as celebrations, receptions, and ceremonies
* A State Arrival is an official ceremony during which the President formally welcomes visiting Heads of State. A 49-piece Marine Band is used, on a rotating basis with the military bands in Washington, D.C., for State Arrivals.
Ceremonies the Marine Band performs for:
The Presidential Inauguration. The Marine Band has participated in every Presidential Inaugural since Thomas Jefferson’s in 1801. Inauguration includes a swearing-in ceremony and a parade, as well as other smaller celebrations and festivities throughout the afternoon and evening. The band also performs at Inaugural Balls following the official ceremony and parade.
State Funerals. A state funeral procession, composed of National Guard, active-duty, academy, and reserve personnel that represent the five branches of the armed forces, is a traditional component of a state funeral observance. Military bands, including a 99-piece Marine Band, provide traditional music during each phase of the state funeral.
Full Honors Funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. Each time the United States Marine Corps honors its deceased service men and women in Full Honors Funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band participates in the ceremony. During the funeral ceremony, the Marine Band will perform chorales and hymns on every occasion that the deceased is transferred or moved.
Marine Barracks Washington, Friday Evening Parades. Friday Evening Parades are held at Marine Barracks Washington May through August. This one hour and fifteen minute performance of music and precision marching features “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
Patriotic Opener. A 42-piece Marine Band is used for all Pentagon and formal military arrivals and patriotic openers for large events. Patriotic openers consist of 15 minutes of patriotic music, the presentation and retirement of the colors, and performances of the National Anthem and The Marines Hymn. Patriotic openers are performed throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area at a variety of events for military organizations, federal agencies, and associations.