Photo By Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | Spc. Matthew A. Segars, a Cobb County, Ga., music instructor and trombonist pulled...... read more read more
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ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER AND MUSEUM, ATLANTA – Santa’s helpers arrived in the form of soldier and song at the Atlanta History Center Saturday.
The Georgia Army National Guard’s 116th Army Band was featured performers serenading visitors during the annual holiday program - The Holiday Spirit.
The event features activities for families bringing a special twinkle to the eyes of the youngest visitors and Santa, alias Ray Corey, was appreciative of the help. Celebrating his fourth season with the History Center and Museum he is the first person to greet children as they walk the atrium to view the band’s performance.
“No matter how the day may have been it is magical to see the smiles on the children’s faces when they walk in with the music and the vintage sleigh ready to greet them,” the jolly Santa Ray shared.
Georgia Volunteers played familiar standards including Santa Ray’s personal favorite "Here Comes Santa Claus" and a dance-inspiring rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock."
Spc. Jada Washington is the newest band member having only been a part of the oldest Military National Guard or Reserve Band for slightly two months. As a featured performer for "Jingle Bell Rock," she looks at the opportunity to give back to the community.
“It’s a chance for everyone to see the [Georgia National Guard] Army band,” Washington a music performance major at Columbus State University effused. “We get to bring a little holiday cheer to everybody!”
The 21-year-old specialist had a special wish for Santa, “help me make it through basic,” she added with a lilt of excitement and a giggle.
Santa in this instance came in the form of Sgt. Santa.
This Santa could be Santa Ray’s Sergeant-at-Arms embodied in percussionist Jorge Luis Santa. A native of Puerto Rico now calling Atlanta home he was absorbed into the National Guard's Army Band from the Air National Guard as a result of the state of Georgia’s military reorganization to better serve the community.
Teasingly his band mates say he enjoys giving tickets on Christmas day compliments of, none other than, Santa but the veteran peace officer says it is not a true statement.
“These opportunities are refreshing. The negativity we [Atlanta police officers] deal with gives me a chance to embrace the positives that come from a song that stays with our audience through the holidays.”
With a rousing round of applause and a wave of the baton calling her musical peers to attention, Spc. Patricia "Diane"' Wilcurt leads from the front of the podium. Directing the band with an invitation for the audience to take an aural "Sleigh Ride" the University of West Georgia Music Education major calls the experience “fun.”
Band director and 116th Army Band Commander, Chief Warrant Officer Mark Cummings, calls it a step toward the future.
“I’ve served my entire career as a citizen-soldier,” Cummings, a 31-year military band veteran noted. “I wasn’t given the opportunity [to conduct] through the ranks and I want to pass the baton on to those who have a passion for service.
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To learn more about the 116th Army National Guard Band’s history visit the Atlanta History Center’s website at http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com
Historical note: The 116th band traces its lineage back to its founding in 1859 having experience combat in the Confederacy during the War Between the States. Atlanta’s “Gate City Guard” Georgia Volunteers, Company F, it is the oldest Military National Guard or Reserve Band with service in the War Between the States, Confederate Service 1861-1862, the Mexican Expedition, WWI with the 121st Infantry Division Band, WWII with the 170th Field Artillery Band and the 48th Armor Division. In 1968, the band became an independent organization, known as the 116th Army Band.
| Date Taken: | 12.14.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2013 20:35 |
| Story ID: | 118294 |
| Location: | ATLANTA, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 239 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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