Recently, friends have been inquiring as to why there seems to be a flurry of activity in my life pertaining to the military and in particular, The Marine Corps. Suffice it to say that I have been making a number of inquiries with various military performance organizations for a plethora of reasons pertaining to both existing music from my pen as well as a piece for which I drafted sketches in the days following September 11, 2001.
Having found it excruciatingly difficult to face those sketches over the past nine years, I have finally learned a number of things that have caused me to come to the right "angle" to now revisit those sketches. Through asking many questions of friends who are serving or have served in the military and searching for information, photographic images and videos online, I have come to a place where those sketches now make sense and are finding their way out of "holding" and into an active creative stream.
I feel a little like a method actor must feel when researching for a role. Through this recent immersion I can honestly say that I feel privileged and humbled to have met so many members of the armed forces, past and present, in person and online, who have given generously of their time, expertise and resources for the purpose of answering my questions.
Whether one agrees with the decisions of the present and previous Administrations regarding military activity, the fact is we stand as a nation because of wise military strategies during the the 18th century and the resolve of those troops. It's in our history, and so in seems, in our blood. I am happy to have also learned of the multitude of humanitarian activities our troops engage in around the world on a daily basis.
As a result of reconnecting with my colleague Liesl Whitaker, who has held the post of Lead Trumpet Player in the Army Blues Band for ten years, I was truly honored to have the opportunity to conduct that band on a few of my own pieces. To later be chauffeured by Liesl through the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery due to her status as an Army Bugler, was in itself a great honor. I was deeply moved to visit Section 60, those who have fallen while on "Active Duty," followed by the opportunity to observe from a respectful distance, a Full Honors Army Funeral, narrated for me by Liesl. All of this adds to the direction said musical sketches will offer me.
I was profoundly impressed to learn that all Marines stationed at "Marine Barracks at 8th & I" in Washington DC are required to pass the highest level of security clearances as they serve the dual purpose of providing security for The President and other dignitaries while mounting ceremonial productions of many configurations for the benefit of fallen heroes and their families, as well as for the general public.
While I still stand as I always have from the perspective of a single American woman, music educator-turned-composer/performing artist, I also now have a renewed and more well-rounded respect for those who have served and who currently serve our nation.
To any of you who may read this, thank you for your service. If you are not a member, past or present, of the United States Armed Forces, please thank one for their service today.
Details regarding said piece of music will be offered on this blog when there is more to report.
If you are reading this on Facebook please visit the active blog on my website, aptly named "anita's blog."
www.anitabrownmusic.com
You'll remember: "Anita drink!" Guinness is Brown Music. DOT COMMMMMM...
:-)
~AB