San Diego -- “I know you’re really going to enjoy the concert you are about to see,” said Brig. Gen. James W. Bierman, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the Western Recruiting Region. “I want to take a second and brag of our fantastic band. They take every event and ceremony to the next level.”
Civilians, retired service members, military personnel and their families listened to the Commanding General’s Holiday Concert featuring Marine Band San Diego at the depot, Dec. 13.
The concert was for members of the local community to join the commanding general and his guests in the annual winter concert in celebration of the holiday season. The concert was free and open to the public.
“The opportunity of inviting the local community to listen to the Marine Corps band builds a great relationship with San Diego,” said retired Sgt. Maj. James K. Harkins Jr. “The holiday season is the time to give back.”
Marine Band San Diego performed various songs for the enjoyment of those who attended. Some of the songs included Hanukkah Begins Tonight, Dreidel Song, Polar Express, Here Comes Santa Claus and Santa Baby.
Toward the end of the concert, children in the audience were asked to join the band on stage for the narration of the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas. After the narration was over, Santa Claus made an unexpected appearance. He gave the children mint flavored candy canes and a hug.
“The band did an outstanding job in all regards,” said Harkins, a native of San Diego. “The concert was very appropriate for the holiday season.”
Among the attendees were former service members who fought in World War II that received applause from the audience. The commanding general also took a few minutes to remember the attack of Pearl Harbor, Dec. 17, 1941.
“Today is Pearl Harbor day,” said Beirman. “The courage and determination of our Marines, soldiers and sailors on that terrible day in Hawaii has truly inspired us ever since.”
Marine Band San Diego performs at military and civilian ceremonies and provides honors for visiting dignitaries. The band is active in providing concerts for clinics, high schools and college students throughout Southern California, serving as a musical role model for developing musicians. The band performs over 500 performances each year including the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and the annual summer and winter concerts.
In recent years, Marine Band San Diego is better identified for the mission of recruiting and public relations and has developed a great reputation for some of the finest presentations in military music.