Military Musicians as Music

Educators
An in-progress research study by Laura LeBlanc

Musical Missions
The Pershings Own United States
Army Band
We are always teaching by our musical
and professional example, and endeavor
to connect and educate whenever
possible. We strive to inspire students and
patrons to give music a permanent place
in their lives, communities, and education
systems. We are diplomatic warriors who
fight to keep music education alive

The United States Navy Band

One of the primary goals of the United
States Navy Band is to help promote and
foster both music and general education
in the United States. Our goal is to help
inspire and foster student growth

A Brief History of the Evolution of Military Bands

Ancient Civilizations- trumpets to communicate, motivate & frighten, drums to march.
Revolutionary War- fife and drum for infantry units, trumpet and drums for cavalry.
Civil War- different roles for bands (using woodwind and brass) and field musicians.
World War I- WWI Army employed 7,500 musicians out of 2 million soldiers.
World War II- famous, established musicians enlisted (Glenn Miller), female bands.
Korean and Vietnam Wars- non-musical duties, long distances, remote locations.
Present Day- musical diplomats to host-countries, 6,000 DoD musicians (active,
reserve, National Guard.

The Pershings Own Army Band

Clinics for musicians from beginning elementary students through music majors
Free Skype sessions for students to work with a member of the band on a variety of
styles and instruments
Free STEAM presentation using music to illustrate math and science concepts
Tuba-Euphonium Workshop
American Trombone Workshop
National Collegiate Solo Competition
U.S. Army Orchestra Young Artist Competition

United States Army Music

Resources Guide examples:
Instrument SpecificBasic Training for Oboe
Basic Trumpet Playing
Saxophone Basics
So You Want to Be a Great Tuba Player
Composers/StylesAn Educators Guide to the Music of Aaron Copland
Interpretation of Jazz Band Literature
The Military March: A Percussion Sections
Interpretation
General ResourcesA Guide for the Blue Collar Band Director
Great Practice Equals Great Performance

United States Army Field Band

Audio Resources- Recordings by the Concert Band, the Soldiers Chorus, the Jazz
Ambassadors, and Chamber Ensembles
Video Resource ExamplesSpecific Instruments: Understanding the Oboe, Trombone: A Players Guide, The
Complete Percussionist
Other Videos: The Joy of Singing, Inside the Big Band, and instrument repair
Google Hangouts- as interactive as an in-person visit
Perspectives- Jazz Ambassadors recordings and printable parts that are available for
free to jazz educators

United States Navy Band

Educational Resources Examples:
Chamber Music for Youth: The Woodwind Quintet, Why On Earth Does My
French Horn Section Sound Like That? and Keeping the Saxophone Quartet in
Tune
Music in the Schools- clinic/performance services
High School Concerto Competition (since 2001)- finalist compete at the Navy Yard
and work with the Concert Band, top three students receive cash prizes, the winner
performs with the Concert Band as their featured soloist
International Saxophone Symposium every January, offering high quality
masterclasses, performances, and exhibitors

Next Steps...
Survey Teachers:
Have you used the resources available through the military music groups?
If soWhich resources? How frequently? Perceived quality of the resources used? Any
student feedback? If so, positive or negative?
Interview Service Musicians:
Musical background, perceived role in music education, and participation in
educational outreach services.