Thousands of spectators gazed at sharply dressed Marines as the sounds of musical scales echoed over the flight line during the 2010 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, I Marine Expeditionary Force, performed during the air show Oct. 1 through 3.
Band members showcased different styles of military music as well as told the Marine musician’s story to the crowd.
“I think we add another element to the air show,” said Cpl. Garth Likens, a saxophone player in the 3rd MAW Band. “People get to see all the aircraft, but they don’t see what else the military has to offer. We provide a look into another side of the Marine Corps.”
As the sun reached its peak, the band members began to march onto the flight line to give the crowd performances. With drum major Staff Sgt. Austin Hunt leading, the band marched through thousands of people and dozens of aircraft displays. At several points, they stopped and formed a v-shaped formation to play songs like “Georgia,” the “Marine’s Hymn” and “God Bless America.”
“This was my first time working the air show, so it was pretty interesting,” said Likens. “Marching through the crowd was awesome because you could see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”
Following their march through the crowd, the band made its way onto the flight line for a colors ceremony. The musicians then played the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada,” and the “Star Spangled Banner.”
After the ceremony, the band members marched their way off the flight line in style by parading in front of the cheering crowd in the grand stands.
In addition to the main band performing, the “Party Band,” a nine-member group that plays swing music, also performed on the flight line during the air show.
“The air show was a lot of fun,” said Cpl. Dustin Owens, a trombone player with the 3rd MAW Band. “The crowd was very responsive and everyone seemed to really like the music. It makes me feel great to see people enjoying our performances and having a good time.”
As the band completed their performances, the crowd could hear the taps of percussionists playing cadences as the musicians slowly marched away, finished for the day.
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