Four MMA cadets selected for Military School Honor Band

HARLINGEN, Texas - March 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Four members of the Marine Military Academy (MMA) Leatherneck Band were selected for the Military School Band Association (MSBA) Honor Band and traveled to the Washington, D.C., area to perform in the 38^th Military School Band & Choir Festival Concert on Feb. 23. The band “all-stars” were: senior Kevin Casey-Sawyer, flutist, of San Diego; junior Alfonso Garcia Garza, percussionist, of Monterrey, Mexico; freshman Seth McNair, percussionist, of Frisco, Texas; and junior Maxwell Pascal, drum major, of Westfield, N.J.

The MMA cadets arrived at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Va., on Feb. 21. For two long and demanding days, Casey-Sawyer, Garcia Garza, McNair and Pascal rehearsed with the best high school and college musicians from other U.S. military schools. On Feb. 23, the entire MSBA Honor Band played a concert at The Westin Alexandria in Alexandria, Va.

This year, MSBA held its event in conjunction with the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMSCUS). The MSBA festival and concert served as the opening ceremony for the 100^th Anniversary AMSCUS Meeting.

The MSBA Honor Band rehearsals also served as a competition, and all four MMA cadets received individual recognition. Casey-Sawyer took first chair in the flute section and received the MSBA Silver Medal. Garcia Garza earned second chair in the percussion section whileMcNair — the only freshman in the percussion section — made sixth chair. Pascal placed fifth among the drum majors.

The four young musicians are taught by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Edward Harris, director of the Leatherneck Band.