Soldiers from the 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts National Guard performs for a delighted crowd at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Mass., July 10, 2019 as part of their yearly Summer Concert Series.
"Our two week concert series is based around telling the Army story, honoring veterans, and making connections in the community through music,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Martins, Commander of the 215th Army Band. "Our performances include a variety of musical styles, individual features, and recognition of military achievement.”
The unit is divided into small groups known as Musical Performance Teams (MPTs). The musical diversity of these M.P.T.s ranges from pop music, small classical quintets, Fife and Drum Corps, New Orleans Brass Band, to a vocal quintet which performs at major sporting events.
Today’s show in Quincy features some of these groups along with their concert band.
"I thought it was an awesome show,” beamed 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Hyde, the 215th Army Band’s first sergeant. "We brought a lot of energy.”
During the show, one of the band members, Spc. Spencer Lusignan was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for winning the Soldier of the Year Competition at brigade level for the 79th Troop Command. Also recognized during the show were two soldiers who will be retiring soon — Sgt. 1st Class Robert Bean with 40 years of service and Sgt. Peter Dirocco with 20 years of service.
There are two remaining shows in the 215th’s tour and they are all free of charge to the public.
"We will be in Newburyport tomorrow (July 11) at 6:00 p.m. and Lexington on Friday (July 12) at 6:30,” said Hyde.
NEXT PERFORMANCES IN THE
215TH ARMY BAND SUMMER CONCERT SERIES:
7/11 - 6pm - Waterfront Park, Newburyport, MA
7/12 - 6:30pm - Emery Park, Lexington, MA
www.215ArmyBand.com
#armyband215
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Laura Berry
