Photo By Sgt. Aaron Ellerman | Sgt. 1st Class Robert Marino, a special band musician (percussionist) with the Army...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO – A silhouette, perched like a raven atop a dead pine in the fading winter light, constantly watches the figures below him march about like an army of ants amidst a sea of green turf. The more than 100 figures move in sync, performing their tasks as a single unit, creating individual sounds to form one symphonic melody that fills their dome enclosure. Some of them wave brightly colored flags through the air adding a visual draw to the unit. A reflection in their brass mirrors reveals an impersonator among them. Dressed in camouflage the anomaly moves throughout the formation at will constantly scanning and listening.
Numerous Soldier mentors from the Army Field Band aided high school students in preparation for their half-time performance during the 2016 Army All-American Bowl where their skills will be showcased on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, and will be broadcast live nationally on NBC at 1 p.m. Eastern. Soldier mentors who had previously attended the event as high school participants also aided the students throughout the week leading up to the event.
“This week has been awesome so far! It’s been great getting to meet new people and the Soldiers have really been helpful,” said Jaxton Schuessler, an auxiliary percussionist and Greenwood, Indiana, native.
“Throughout the week students are getting the chance to meet with Soldiers which they may not have had the chance to ever meet without this opportunity. I think it is a great experience for them. You can see it in their eyes as we progress through the week just how much they’re learning about their jobs, the Army and their country,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Marino, a special band musician (percussionist) with the Army Field Band.
“One of the best parts of this experience is the interaction with the Soldiers. This opportunity affords the students as well as myself and the other instructors a chance to work hands-on with some pretty awesome people. We get to connect with them on a personal level throughout the week,” said Ian Hale, front ensemble instructor and Boston native.
The AAB showcases the many options and opportunities available through Army service. Whether it’s active duty or Reserve, all of these components make up a winning organization – an organization that makes a difference at home and abroad.
“I’ve been a musician all of my life. My father and uncle were both in the military and I grew up a few miles from West Point so the Army was something I always wanted to do and it worked out great when I learned that there are band careers in the Army,” said Marino.
“When I attended this event in 2012 it was my first experience with Soldiers. When I saw how they mentored us and cared about helping others, it made me want to join the military,” said Spc. Andre Racanelli, Army Cadet and Ashburn, Virginia, native.
Racanelli played percussion in grade school and joined the marching band. He was a tenner drum player during the 2012 AAB.
For 16 years, the AAB has been the nation’s premier high school football game, bringing together many talented athletes that have gone on to successful college and professional careers, as well as a number of marching band members that have gone on to receive ROTC scholarships.
The players and musicians of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl have earned the opportunity to wear the Army colors by demonstrating their dedication to team, community and excellence. These U.S. Army All-Americans and Army Soldiers share key attributes like adaptability and versatility, which enables them to prevail in challenging situations.
“The discipline and sense of being a part of something greater than myself is what really drew me into the band,” said Racanelli.
Members were given their music to study in advance but had not seen or performed with one another until the week leading up to the event.
“It can be tough at first for these students coming together and getting to know all the new faces, but its just a part of the process to becoming an amazing team that won't ever be together again,” said Hale.
“They have a lot to do, learning their music and the show in a short period of time, and we’re glad we can help in any way they need us to,” said Marino.
In between the grueling sometimes 12 hour-long practices and event preparation the students find a little time to relax.
“The students really enjoy the experience and the shows the Army musicians put on for them. The fact that the Army supports all of this for these students really says a lot,” said Hale.
“I’ve really enjoyed being here and can't wait to perform during the show. This whole experience has been a real blessing,” said Schuessler.
“Again from the beginning,” caws the silhouette from its perch, and the cycle commences once more.
| Date Taken: | 01.06.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.08.2016 15:02 |
| Story ID: | 185919 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | ASHBURN VILLAGE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Hometown: | GREENWOOD, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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