Photo By Staff Sgt. Noah Sladek | The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps practices a parade sequence at Joint Base...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE MYER–HENDERSON HALL, VIRGINIA – The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps recently came together to conduct a parade sequence at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, Nov. 21, 2024. This rehearsal is part of their preparations for the 60th Presidential Inauguration, upholding the tradition of participation since 1961.
The parade sequence was performed on the streets of the joint base, showcasing their synchronized movements and traditional fifes and drums. Military bands are an essential part of presidential inaugurations, providing ceremonial music that highlights the significance of the peaceful transfer of power.
“The inauguration is the highest stage that we play on,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Erin Morgan, the drum major for the corps. “We want to look our best and make sure everything is very precise in terms of our movements and how we sound with the music.”
Morgan, who has been in the corps for nine years, has experience supporting the event, but will take on a leading role for the first time.
“It is a huge honor and although this is my third inaugural parade with the corps, this will be my first time holding the stick (espontoon) at the front,” said Morgan. “Not every drum major of the corps gets the honor of leading in an inauguration, so I feel extremely lucky to be able to stand in the front for this historic mission.”
The corps will feature the largest formation of Soldiers it uses for ceremonies of this caliber. During the upcoming 136th Rose Parade, 36 of its members will perform, compared to 60 members who will perform for the inauguration.
As the corps marched through the streets, Soldiers performed their drills and music under the direction of leadership, ensuring alignment with the standards expected for such a high-profile event.
“We train our technical skills, which is the combination of music on the instruments, but also the specialized marching style,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Latricia Fields, the senior enlisted leader at the corps. “Individuals are executing the technical skill sets, but honing those skill sets to each other to create a cohesive product.”
“It is imperative that we synchronize ourselves as one team, and project that for all who witness this organization. As a visual and a musical representation of the U.S. Army to the nation, that is why it is so important that we spend the time tightening those technical skills, both musically and marching.”
The rehearsals ensure they are prepared to uphold their role in the 60th Presidential Inauguration, continuing their legacy of adding historical significance and ceremonial precision to this pivotal national event.
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.25.2024 17:23 |
| Story ID: | 486098 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Army Fife and Drum Corps rehearses for the 60th Presidential Inauguration, by SSG Noah Sladek, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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