Sergeant First Class Mark Huseth performs a Soliloquy from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel,” a song about a
man boasting of the potential of  joy and fun of possibly having a son, but the fear of
responsibility that might come with having a daughter.
The Lion's Roar / Olivia Moreno

Patriotic music emerged from the doors of the Columbia Theatre on Election Day thanks to a visit from the United States Army Field Band. 

The Army Field Band performing on Election Day demonstrated a special significance to audience members. They emphasized the importance of voting and how it relates to their work in the military.

“We do this 100 to 120 nights a year, and it’s great to have it on Election Day, said Master Sergeant Robert McIver. “The significance of our job is that we demonstrate the level of professional excellence in our military through professional excellence in music. No matter our performance, our job is to come out on stage and really let the American people see part of their army and represent those men and women who do the heavy lifting for us in this country.”

Hammond native and bass singer with the soldier’s chorus, Sergeant Major Victor Cenales, sang in a duet then performed a solo featuring the song “None so Beautiful” composed by Gino Vanneli. 

After he performed, Cenales was greeted by Gloria Weatherly, his former high school teacher, whom he credits with jump-starting his musical career. 

“Her husband was the dean of music at Southeastern and that’s how I got my start [here]. Through her and then her husband I got a partial scholarship. That was the beginning of the whole process and I will never forget that,” said Cenales. “It started at Hammond High. I sang gospel music as a young person, but I didn’t start getting into classical music until Ms. Weatherly. She pulled me in from out of the hallway from singing outside of her door and she was like, ‘You know you should be in chorus.’”

This tour gives soldiers a chance to visit their loved ones around the country. Many of Cenale’s family members and former high school peers were in the audience watching him.

“It’s a treat for me. I will always cherish this moment to be able to come and perform here. It’s been a long time coming. People always knew that I was in the military and they knew I sang, but they had never seen me perform with this organization and this is probably the best military band around. It’s a privilege for me to sing up in front of everyone; to let everyone else see what I do is a great feeling and an honor,” said Cenales.

The band played the songs for each military branch and encouraged former and current members to clap along when their song popped up, which led to some guests holding feelings of honor towards this patriotic event.

“This was a fine group of young people and I think they did a beautiful performance and I think it was very meaningful for me and all the people who had loved ones in the service before, and even those who lost loved ones back in World War II or any war since that,” said Vesta Memorris, Hammond native. “I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would recommend anyone to go see it when they can.”

Cenales says that the army field band is the best because many of the members of the band are degreed, some with master’s degrees and some with doctorates. They demonstrate another side to the military, a more professional side that can make deeper connections with communities. 

The army field band will be back in the Hammond area for another performance in two and a half years. To learn more about the army field band, go online and visit armyfieldband.com.