The Herald Trumpets are the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States. Based in Washington, D.C., they are part of “Pershing’s Own,” the United States Army Band that performs at historic international and national events, including Presidential inaugurations, to welcome visiting dignitaries such as the Queen of England and Pope, and at Olympic ceremonies. They regularly perform for the Kennedy Center Honors and the annual holiday celebrations “A Capitol Fourth,” “Christmas in Washington” and “The National Memorial Day Concert.”
Don’t Miss This “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Opportunity
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Lodi audiences to experience the Herald Trumpets in person. The Herald Trumpets are truly a national treasure,” according to Lodi Community Band Director Robert E. Gross. “They simply do not perform on the West Coast, with rare exceptions.” Indeed, the Herald Trumpets have not performed in California since they performed during President Ronald Reagan’s funeral in Southern California.
On Sunday, May 3, 2009, the Herald Trumpets will join the Lodi Community Band on stage in the Charlene Powers Lange Performing Arts Theatre at Hutchins Street Square for two concerts at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Lodi Community Band will also welcome the 40-piece 59th Army Band from Sacramento, the “Governor’s Own.” Each of the three groups will perform individually and en mass, placing a total of approximately 85 musicians on stage.
Tickets are $20.00 each and available now from the Hutchins Street Square Box Office, either online or by telephone: (209) 333-5550.
Meet Captain David Paroby, Director
Captain David Paroby serves as Director of the Herald Trumpets. Originally from Warminster, Pennsylvania, he previously served as Executive Officer and Associate Conductor of the United States Training and Doctrine Command Band based in Fort Monroe, Virginia. Captain Paroby holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music and a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Columbia University. He spent four years as a percussionist with the United States Marine Corps before securing a position with the U. S. Military Academy Band in West Point, New York, where he served as a featured percussion soloist and clinician.
He entered the U.S. Army Band Officer program in 2004 and was commissioned in December 2004 as an Officer Candidate School Distinguished Military Graduate. His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Recently, Captain Paroby graciously spoke with the Lodi News-Sentinel about the upcoming concert:
Earlier this year, you played at the Inauguration of President Obama? Did you meet him?
We didn’t personally meet the President, but we were about six feet from the man.
What was your impression of President Obama?
I was impressed. He had a very professional demeanor — and the Herald Trumpets didn’t flinch.
How are the members of the ensemble selected?
The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets are one of the three special bands in the U.S. Army. The audition process is like that of a professional orchestra. You audition for the band, (and then are admitted) under a special contract. You’re only given duty here in the United States. You go through basic training and come directly to us. After three months, you’re promoted to Staff Sergeant.
Do members of the ensemble get paid?
Yes. We are actually paid by the U.S. Army. The entry level salary is $51,000 to $58,000 a year.
How often does the group travel?
Actually, because this year is our 50th anniversary, we’re traveling quite a bit.
How did the opportunity to perform in Lodi come up?
The director of the Lodi Community Band contacted us a year ago. Our schedule was not booked at that time.
How do you guys celebrate after a performance — with pizza and beer?
Because we do travel in a small group, we’ll go out for dinner or something like that.
Do you all get along? Are you pretty close-knit?
The group is interesting because of the different players. There are 14 herald trumpets and three percussionists. They’ve been together for many years. We were trying to count how many people in the Herald Trumpets are over 50, and we came up with two-thirds of the group. I’m not.
What do you do on a typical Saturday?
I would say I’m recovering from the ringing in my ears from rehearsing from the Herald Trumpets. It usually takes the weekend to recover.
Have you ever been to Lodi? Will you do anything else while you’re in town?
I haven’t been to Lodi. I was in the Marine Corps near San Diego, so I’m a little familiar with California. We’ll probably sample some cuisine while in town.
Where do you want to go from here? Is the Herald Trumpets the top?
After this assignment, I might get to conduct one of the other Army bands. I wouldn’t might coming back as the United States commander.
Who are your inspirations?
I am inspired by the professionalism and technical proficiency of all the people in the United States Army Band that I get to conduct on a daily basis.
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