And The Band Played On In Iraq
Les Brown and his Band of Renown being unavailable, the Army’s 25th Infantry Division band travels around Iraq playing music for the troops — and pulling guard duty
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
E-mail this story | Print this page | Archive | RSS
Sgt. Quincy Dunker and his
tuba at a memorial wall in
Iraq
Band are expected to stand a post like any other soldier. Their musical duties sometimes come a half day after providing security wherever they may find themselves.
“I’ve never had a problem with somebody getting off a 12-hour shift and then picking up their instruments into a 5-ton, doing a performance, then pack things up and go back to base, then unpack everything before going to bed,” says McClaran with pride. “I’ve never had anyone complain about that because it was an opportunity for them to play, and that’s what all of us want to do. We want to go over there and play for the troops.”
Units wanting a visit by the 25th must put in a request. From there the band figures what it can do and sends the appropriate group, whether it’s a jazz ensemble or something a bit more uptempo. It can sometimes be as few as two musicians going out to the middle of nowhere. All of the musicians are capable of playing in numerous configurations.
“If a unit is ready to go home and they’re having a farewell barbecue, we’re not going to send a brass quintet, we’re send a rock band or a combo and they’re gonna have some fun,” says McClaran.
The current French horn player and former tank commander has another idea for the guitar-and-drum-based segment of the band. McCaran said he would like to set up the rock band in one of the old forts that line that Iran/Iraq border, turn the amps toward Tehran and let the rock ‘n’roll fly.
Page 2 of 2 pages for this story < 1 2
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS
Most Recent Comment(s):
