The U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra performs in April 2024 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia. (U.S. Marine Band photo by Staff Sgt. Chase Baran)
October 07, 2024
Media Availability: U.S. Marine Band’s performance at SIU’s Shryock Auditorium Oct. 8
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The U.S. Marine Band’s free performance on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Shryock Auditorium marks the first time in nearly 74 years that the band had played on campus.
Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover the performance, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Media may be on-site for the performance. Advance notice is requested, and flash photography and video are not permitted. The musicians are expected to arrive at SIU Carbondale shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday following a performance the previous night in Bloomington, Indiana. Band members will be available for interviews, but advance notice is requested to make arrangements with the U.S. Marine Band.
U.S. Marine Band members have volunteered to offer clinics to students in the SIU School of Music from 9-9:50 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in Altgeld Hall.
To arrange for interviews with band members, contact Staff Sgt. Isaac Mei, communication strategist with the U.S. Marine Band, at 202-433-5814 or isaac.s.mei.mil@usmc.mil. For more information or assistance in arranging interviews with SIU students, contact Christopher Morehouse, SIU School of Music professor and director of bands, at cmoreh@siu.edu, Richard Kelley, School of Music director, at kelley2@siu.edu or the School of Music at 618-536-8742.
“We are excited that the School of Music students, along with area middle and high school students, will be able to meet and interact with the musicians that they heard in concert the previous night,” Morehouse said.
Media outlets may also utilize the U.S. Marine Band’s media kit for use in their stories.
This is the band’s first concert at SIU Carbondale since Oct. 15, 1950, and it is part of the band’s 2024 coast-to-coast tour. “The President’s Own” has about 160 members, including musicians and support staff. The tour band should be close to 65 members.
Doors for the performance will open at 6:45 p.m., with tickets valid only until 7:15 p.m. Open seating, including for people who are waiting in the standby line, will begin at 7:15 p.m.
Large bags and backpacks are not permitted. The SIU School of Music is sponsoring the concert with support from the school’s Fine Arts Activity Fee.