Photo By Sgt. Joey Mendez | A band member with the 2nd Marine Division Band waits for his cue during the Fourth of...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - In celebration of July 4th the 2nd Marine Division Band held a concert at the Base Theatre aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, July 2.
The musical performances included both the Ceremonial Band and their rock band named Three Round Burst.
After three months of preparation the band showed up and surprised the whole crowd with their talent, getting ear-to-ear smiles and thundering cheers in return.
“I loved the performance. It wasn’t just the typical music that you are used to hearing for a Fourth of July concert,” said Adrienne Hunt from Adamstown, Pa., the wife of a band member, as well as a former band member herself. “The music was very relatable to this time with the pop and rock music.”
“We put in different styles, different venues and different components of the band and had them come together to make a more involved production,” said Staff Sgt. Steven J. Baltzer, the rhythm section chief and Strasburg, Pa., native.
Having fans, friends and family members leave the performance happy is a big stress reliever for the band members.
“On the stage I’m thinking about how the fans will perceive the music and what will happen if I were to mess up,” said Cpl. Jacob Reeves, a piccolo player from Dexter, Mo. “So, seeing them cheer and smile is a pressure release at the least. It’s such a great feeling, I have to make sure I can maintain my bearing.”
The amount of time spent preparing and worrying is all worth it for the Marines and they allow it to fuel them.
“You’re finally there, it’s like game day; it’s always fun,” said Baltzer.
Playing music for Independence Day gives Reeves a feeling that he doesn’t get every performance.
“Playing for the Fourth of July is very rewarding for me and at the same time humbling,” said Reeves. “It’s an honor. I do it for the Marines who have served before me and who are currently serving.”
Reeves isn’t the only band member who has a special feeling performing this time of year.
“I am proud whenever I play for July 4th,” said Baltzer who played for the Fourth of July a total of four times. “It’s always a spark of patriotism.”
Through all of the ups and downs the Marines know their main goal is to send all of their fans, friends and family home happy.
“I was very impressed with the overall performance,” said Hunt.
| Date Taken: | 07.03.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2013 16:27 |
| Story ID: | 109738 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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