The familiar drum roll of the beginning of the National Anthem filled the Telfair B. Peet Theatre Wednesday evening as the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and the Auburn Symphonic Wind Trumpets performed an arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner.
Housed out of Washington D.C., the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets are also members of “Phersing’s Own” U.S. Army Band. The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets travel the country performing shows for the public and for the President of the United States on certain occasions.
Director of Bands Rick Good was thrilled to share this opportunity with his students and students across the campus. “This is the first time we’ve had a group like that. Usually, we’ll bring in a soloist or a faculty, usually just one individual,” Good said.
The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets were in Auburn for this performance as well as the halftime show during the Ole Miss game. Marching Band Director Corey Spurlin is credited with their presence Good said. “Dr. Spurlin had an idea, every year we do a military appreciation show for halftime. I think last year was incredible and each year you try to think, what could make it even more special?”
To prepare for this performance with this group Good said, “I went through their literature, what they usually play. They have a couple standard pieces that they like to go around and travel with and play with other university bands or professional groups.”
Festive Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich and Summon the Heroes by John Williams were two pieces performed with the Symphonic Winds and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets. A portion of the concert was dedicated to the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets where they performed selections such as Heroic Fanfare by SGM (ret.) Paul Murtha and Triumphant by MSG Michael Brown.
“This is the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States, so you can’t get any better than this.” Good said, “So I think that to sit there and perform with professional musicians, and some of our guys are aspiring to be that, to see them live and join in playing along it is the opportunity of a lifetime and something they will never forget.”
Marching Band Drum Major and Trumpet player in the Symphonic Winds CJ Ellis said, “It was a lot of fun, they are an awesome group, they’re a world renounced group. We were just blessed and honored; this afternoon we had a master class with them. It has been just a great educational experience and were glad to have them in Auburn.”
The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets will perform during halftime of the Auburn vs. Ole Miss game alongside the Auburn University Marching Band.
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