Photo By Lance Cpl. Katalynn M. Rodgers | Marine Band San Diego entertained attendees with a variety of festive holiday music...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO -- Families gathered aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego during the chilly evening, Dec.10. Under lights of green, red and gold, they chatted merrily with one another as they settled down to watch the evening’s events unfold.
Marine Band San Diego entertained attendees with a variety of festive holiday music and the lighting of the depot’s three-story Christmas tree. However, this wasn’t just a random get-together, it was the annual Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
“Being able to be here makes me that much more motivated to graduate,” said Recruit James Whitaker, Special Training Company, Support Battalion. “This concert brings back memories from home, the music makes me think of my family and I’m happy because it feels like I’m closer to home.”
As guests gathered around for the concert they were able to stop and help themselves to hot chocolate and choose from a variety of cookies provided by MCRD’s Family Team Building.
Marine Band San Diego opened the concert with the “Christmas Fanfare,” performed by the Brass Choir. Later in the show the Percussion Ensemble played the entire “Nutcracker Suite,” on percussion instruments only.
Staff Sgt. Timothy Cutler, trombone player, Service Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, sang “A Grown-Up Christmas List,” accompanied by the entire Concert Band. Following Cutler, Gunnery Sgt. Christian Arellano, enlisted conductor, and his wife Staff Sgt. Lacey Sullivan, flute player, both with Service Company, H & S Bn., sang “The Prayer,” a duet by David Foster.
Arellano then read “’Twas the Night before Christmas” to the crowd as the Concert Band emphasized pieces of the story with music. Upon finishing the classic Christmas story, the band played evening colors.
Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region officially welcomed guests and made closing remarks after the band played “A Christmas Carol Fantasy.”
“With all the rushing around to parties and buy gifts, it’s easy to forget the reason for the season,” said Yoo. “So, the depot wishes you our warmest heartfelt holiday wishes!”
With that, Yoo stepped over to a festive light switch, asked guests to help him countdown from three, then gave a tug and lit the depot’s three-story Christmas tree to the audience’s enjoyment.
“This concert was festive and enjoyable, it was a very diverse concert with many ensembles and a variety of music for all ages,” said Jessica Siletzky, spouse of band member, Sgt. Robert Siletzky. “I was especially moved by evening colors, which was new to this year’s concert.
The concert was completed with the band playing a song by John Philip Sousa, “Stars and Stripes for Christmas.”
“I love celebrating the season by listening to good Christmas music,” said Siletzky. “The Marine Band always puts on a good show.”
| Date Taken: | 12.10.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2011 16:33 |
| Story ID: | 81626 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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