Side by Side with the USNA Band

For Broadneck High School trumpet player Alexander Edwards, it is one thing to play beside your peers, but it is another story to play next to one of the best professional musicians in the country.

“You are used to leading, so when you start playing with these musicians, you have to stop and regroup,” said Edwards of the first rehearsal he had with musicians from the United States Naval Academy Band.

Edwards was one of seven Broadneck High students chosen to participate in the USNA Band’s annual Side by Side concert held last week.

The other Broadneck student participants were Annie Fowlkes, Taylor Ruden, Jeremy Lamb, Elena Murphy, Jessica Belt, and Dave Rowland.

Officially formed in November 1852, the United States Naval Academy Band provides outstanding musical performances and support for the Brigade of Midshipmen and the surrounding community. The Concert Band performs a year-round public concert series of light classics and marches to classic band literature and patriotic songs. Its members are some of the best professional musicians in the country.

The Side by Side program offers local exceptional music students the opportunity to learn difficult music and perform in concert, sitting “side by side” with USNA band members. Candidates do not audition, but submit requests that are then evaluated by USNA band officials.

Once students are selected, they are given specific concert pieces to practice. They have two practice sessions with the USNA musicians. They performed the finale concert at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis on March 3.

Though the experience was intimidating, Taylor Ruden said, “The band members were very nice and welcoming. And I learned how to play at a completely different level.”

Anne Fowlkes agreed. “I think we really learned how to pay attention to what each other is doing.”

Their favorite piece?  “Blue Shades" by Frank Ticheli.

“It was a combination of all styles and eras of the blues and jazz,” explained Edwards. “We were doing it all. It was great.”