Inter-Military Brass Ensemble Performs at International Women’s Brass Conference

Over 450 brass players recently converged in Cincinnati for the third International Women’s Brass Conference held at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Professional brass players came from around the world to educate, develop, support and inspire brass players wishing to pursue professional careers in music. The conference, open to men as well as women, featured top musicians from around the world and offered concerts, recitals, competitions, master-classes and exhibits.

Nineteen musicians, including sixteen women and three men, joined together to form The Inter-Military Brass Ensemble. Representing the Armed Forces were brass and percussion players from The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” The United States Army Field Band, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, The United States Navy Band, and The United States Air Force Band.

Opening with John Cheetham’s “Commemorative Fanfare” the group performed a challenging program including “A Requiem in our Time” by Eino Rautavaara and Jan Koetsier’s “Brass Symphony” dedicated to the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble from London. The concert was augmented with The U.S. Army Field Band’s Embassy Brass Quintet performing Felix Mendelssohn’s “Songs without Words” and “’Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk.

Despite limited rehearsals the Inter-military Brass Ensemble pulled off a flawless performance greeted with tremendous response. “The precarious scheduling of all the service band elements was daunting to say the least”, said Sgt. 1st Class Laura Lineberger of The U.S. Army Band. The dress rehearsal on the day of the performance was the only occasion when all the members were able to be present.

In addition to performing the group presented a panel discussion on musical career opportunities in the military. The discussion, which began formally, evolved into candid personal conversations with representatives from each of the service branches sharing their experiences. A display of pictures, organized by Sgt. 1st Class Tammy Leverone and Staff Sgt. Kirsten Lies-Warfield from The U.S. Army Band, served to further showcase the six military service bands in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. “The formal, yet informal nature of the conversations encouraged more interest than would have likely occurred had the entire presentation been lecture-like”, said one of the panel members.

The conference served as an ideal forum to actively recruit brass players into military music. The inter-service group was well received and the performance and panel discussion helped educate many in the civilian sector that military bands are as professional as any major orchestra.

Photo Courtesy photo Cutline: members of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” The United States Army Field Band, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, The United States Navy Band, and The United States Air Force Band combine to form The Inter-Military Brass Ensemble.

Submitted by Staff Sgt. Suzette Niess, U.S. Army Band Public Affairs