Find out what it really takes to be a member of the elite band.
ALBANY, GA. -- The 48-member Albany Marine Band recently won the 2010 Marine “Band of the Year Award” for the entire United States Marine Corps.
Chief Warrant Officer Christian Flores explains why the title was so difficult to attain. “It means that we competed against all our standard 12 bands in the Marine Corps and part of the award acknowledges our music ability as well as our physical fitness, our rifle range scores and our Marine Corps foundation” says Flores.
In addition to the traditional ceremonial band, there are other ensembles including a jazz group, wind ensemble, woodwind quartet, and a brass quintet. The Albany Marine Band are the keepers of the flame for traditional music, but they still try to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Band members also participate in physical training and conditioning because every single member is a marine first and foremost. Being part of the band includes a variety of things including performing, growing their audience, partnering with local schools like ABAC and Darton College, and of course practicing for hours every day until they're perfect. “Our rehearsal schedule is built off of our performance schedule so as I’ve stated before, we maintain a wide variety of ensembles so it takes a lot of time to keep them up” says Flores.
Members told FOX 31 that they love being a part of the band because of the incredible opportunities they get while playing the instrument they love. “That’s one of the great things about being in the marine band - marines are attracted to the Marine Corps for a little travel and adventure we actually live that every day” says Flores.
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