Marine Corps band plays Romney song on White House lawn

[Golem]

Ian Swanson
The Hill
July 4, 2012

A subset of the Marine Corps band struck up one of Mitt Romney's walkout songs while President Obama was greeting visitors at the White House Independence Day celebration.

A White House pool report said the band struck up Rodney Atkins's "It's America," and described it as an "awkward moment."

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[IassaFTots]

Whoopsie Daisy! 

 

[Eupher]

Must've been a small combo or country band - certainly not the full ensemble of 60+ musicians.

Either way, somebody's ass is gonna be in a crack.

[thundley4]

Don't they play "Hail to the Thief" for Obama?

[Eupher]

Don't they play "Hail to the Thief" for Obama?

Yes, the full ensemble. But due to the article's description of the band as "subset" (apparently Ian Swanson never heard of the term "combo") that tells me that it wasn't a "subset" that would have played "Hail to the Chief."

I've never even attended a WH function, so I'm a little uncertain of the musical protocol, but it seems to me that an official appearance by the president warrants the playing of "Hail to the Chief" by a full ensemble. After the formal recognition of the president's appearance, it's likely that a less formal atmosphere takes hold, to wit -- a frikkin' bbq on the WH lawn. I can definitely see a small C&W band puttin' some music down range -- even if it's one of Mitt's tunes.

[txradioguy]

I've never even attended a WH function, so I'm a little uncertain of the musical protocol, but it seems to me that an official appearance by the president warrants the playing of "Hail to the Chief" by a full ensemble. After the formal recognition of the president's appearance, it's likely that a less formal atmosphere takes hold, to wit -- a frikkin' bbq on the WH lawn. I can definitely see a small C&W band puttin' some music down range -- even if it's one of Mitt's tunes.

A lot of times at WH level events he ensemble plays pre and post appearance music like a cocktail hour...then WHCA (White House Communications Agency) has Hail to the Chief...ruffles and flourishes etc pre recorded...there were a couple of events where they prerecorded my intro of the POTUS even though I read everything else live.

IRRC the Marine Corps Band is even less military than TUSAB.  They are pros in USMC band uniforms...something tells me this wasn't mistake.

[Kyle Ricky]

That is funny right there. 

[Gina]

 

[Eupher]

A lot of times at WH level events he ensemble plays pre and post appearance music like a cocktail hour...then WHCA (White House Communications Agency) has Hail to the Chief...ruffles and flourishes etc pre recorded...there were a couple of events where they prerecorded my intro of the POTUS even though I read everything else live.

IRRC the Marine Corps Band is even less military than TUSAB.  They are pros in USMC band uniforms...something tells me this wasn't mistake.

Wow, pre-recorded Hail to the Chief? That's almost as tacky as playing Taps on one of those bullshit digitized bugles. 

FWIW, ALL of the D.C. bands (TUSAB, the Navy Band, the Air Force Band, the MC Band, and even the CG Band up in New London, CT) have musicians that are world-class. For any given position that becomes open, there are literally hundreds of applicants who audition. Competition is fierce, even with the height/weight, security clearance requirements, etc.

You don't get in any of these bands unless you're a conservatory/master's degrees graduate and many have DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degrees. This means these folks play and sing their asses off.

But I will say that the Marine Corps Band is the ONLY D.C. band whose members do NOT attend boot camp. All other service band auditionees who pass and who are selected for enlistment must attend their respective boot camp/basic training. This is likely why you have the opinion that the MC Band is less "military" than the others.

I saw the Marine Band play once, live in St. Louis about 10-12 years ago. Impeccable playing, but I remember their performance as being very, very mechanical. Little "life" to the performance.

Music is much more than putting the right notes down range at the right time.

[Gina]

Wow, pre-recorded Hail to the Chief? That's almost as tacky as playing Taps on one of those bullshit digitized bugles. 

FWIW, ALL of the D.C. bands (TUSAB, the Navy Band, the Air Force Band, the MC Band, and even the CG Band up in New London, CT) have musicians that are world-class. For any given position that becomes open, there are literally hundreds of applicants who audition. Competition is fierce, even with the height/weight, security clearance requirements, etc.

You don't get in any of these bands unless you're a conservatory/master's degrees graduate and many have DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degrees. This means these folks play and sing their asses off.

But I will say that the Marine Corps Band is the ONLY D.C. band whose members do NOT attend boot camp. All other service band auditionees who pass and who are selected for enlistment must attend their respective boot camp/basic training. This is likely why you have the opinion that the MC Band is less "military" than the others.

I saw the Marine Band play once, live in St. Louis about 10-12 years ago. Impeccable playing, but I remember their performance as being very, very mechanical. Little "life" to the performance.

Music is much more than putting the right notes down range at the right time.

When my fil passed away they showed up with a boombox and played Taps on it.  I was so furious.

[Eupher]

When my fil passed away they showed up with a boombox and played Taps on it.  I was so furious.

Not enough trumpet/bugle players to go around.

This is a legitimate organization that we should all be mindful of:

http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/

[5412]

Wow, pre-recorded Hail to the Chief? That's almost as tacky as playing Taps on one of those bullshit digitized bugles. 

FWIW, ALL of the D.C. bands (TUSAB, the Navy Band, the Air Force Band, the MC Band, and even the CG Band up in New London, CT) have musicians that are world-class. For any given position that becomes open, there are literally hundreds of applicants who audition. Competition is fierce, even with the height/weight, security clearance requirements, etc.

You don't get in any of these bands unless you're a conservatory/master's degrees graduate and many have DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degrees. This means these folks play and sing their asses off.

But I will say that the Marine Corps Band is the ONLY D.C. band whose members do NOT attend boot camp. All other service band auditionees who pass and who are selected for enlistment must attend their respective boot camp/basic training. This is likely why you have the opinion that the MC Band is less "military" than the others.

I saw the Marine Band play once, live in St. Louis about 10-12 years ago. Impeccable playing, but I remember their performance as being very, very mechanical. Little "life" to the performance.

Music is much more than putting the right notes down range at the right time.

Hi Eupher,

As a Marine, that absolutely shocks me about boot camp.  I have seen the Marine Corps band play in red (for Marines) and blue (for the public) many times along with the drill team from Washington.  They were sharp and crisp and made this old Marine proud. 

I would be curious to know where you found that information, I would love to read up on it.  Please do not misunderstand me, I am not questioning you, just would really like to learn a lot more about it.

Thanks,
5412

[txradioguy]

Wow, pre-recorded Hail to the Chief? That's almost as tacky as playing Taps on one of those bullshit digitized bugles. 

FWIW, ALL of the D.C. bands (TUSAB, the Navy Band, the Air Force Band, the MC Band, and even the CG Band up in New London, CT) have musicians that are world-class. For any given position that becomes open, there are literally hundreds of applicants who audition. Competition is fierce, even with the height/weight, security clearance requirements, etc.

You don't get in any of these bands unless you're a conservatory/master's degrees graduate and many have DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degrees. This means these folks play and sing their asses off.

But I will say that the Marine Corps Band is the ONLY D.C. band whose members do NOT attend boot camp. All other service band auditionees who pass and who are selected for enlistment must attend their respective boot camp/basic training. This is likely why you have the opinion that the MC Band is less "military" than the others.

I saw the Marine Band play once, live in St. Louis about 10-12 years ago. Impeccable playing, but I remember their performance as being very, very mechanical. Little "life" to the performance.

Music is much more than putting the right notes down range at the right time.

Yeah the bolded is whaat I was getting at.  I wasn't slighting any of their ability.  I was lucky enough to work with TUSAB and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps for four years.  As talented a group of musicians as you'd find in any symphony orchestra.

[txradioguy]

Hi Eupher,

As a Marine, that absolutely shocks me about boot camp.  I have seen the Marine Corps band play in red (for Marines) and blue (for the public) many times along with the drill team from Washington.  They were sharp and crisp and made this old Marine proud. 

I would be curious to know where you found that information, I would love to read up on it.  Please do not misunderstand me, I am not questioning you, just would really like to learn a lot more about it.

Thanks,
5412

I know you asked Euph but here is the info you were asking about.

The Marine Band recruits experienced musicians; members are selected through a rigorous audition procedure and must satisfy additional security and physical requirements to be eligible. Selected band members serve under a four-year contract as active duty enlisted Marines and are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and physical standards. They are the only members of the United States Armed Forces not required to undergo recruit training and do not perform combat missions. Also, they are not assigned to any unit other than the Marine Band.

The band members start at the rank of Staff Sergeant, and wear rank insignia with a lyre replacing the normal crossed rifles. Commissioned officers are drawn from the band, although Drum Majors are career Marines and are selected from Fleet Marine Force bands, as they are responsible for the military development of the band's members. As of 2010, the USMC spends about $10 million annually to support the band.[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Band

[Eupher]

Hi Eupher,

As a Marine, that absolutely shocks me about boot camp.  I have seen the Marine Corps band play in red (for Marines) and blue (for the public) many times along with the drill team from Washington.  They were sharp and crisp and made this old Marine proud. 

I would be curious to know where you found that information, I would love to read up on it.  Please do not misunderstand me, I am not questioning you, just would really like to learn a lot more about it.

Thanks,
5412

Sure, not a problem.

Per the Marine Corps Band (the President's Own) web site (FAQ section):

Question: Why aren’t members sent to recruit training (boot camp)?

The Marine Band’s primary mission is to perform for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. After passing a rigorous audition, much like those of professional symphony orchestras, new members go through the enlistment process at their local recruiter’s office. Upon enlistment, new members report directly to “The President’s Own.” Before performing with the band, new members undergo a six week training period taught by the Assistant Drum Major that covers military customs and courtesies, ceremonial drill, uniform regulations and all essential military subjects. Unlike the other musical organizations in the Marine Corps, “The President’s Own” has no secondary tactical or combat mission.

Here's another thing that just might set you off a little bit:

Question: Why are members enlisted as Staff Sergeants (Grade E-6)?

Because of the many years invested in their musical education, members of “The President’s Own” enlist in the Marine Corps already trained to perform at the high level of skill required. It would be difficult for the Marine Corps to recruit individuals who possess such expertise (many hold bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in their field) at salaries dramatically lower than what they could be expected to earn in the private sector.

http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/WHO_WE_ARE/faq/index.htm

[JohnnyReb]

10 million a year just to play for the prez. I bet they've had a hard time learning rap.