Depot Band steps out in style at Miami Dolphins game

15 Nov 2009 | Lance Cpl. Erin M. Tansey Marine Corps Training and Education Command

In a salute to the military from the Miami Dolphins, a halftime performance was put on at the Land Shark Stadium in Miami by the Parris Island Marine Band and local performing groups.

 Though the Dolphins were playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they made sure to center their appreciation on the band.

 “I’ve been here multiple times for the same gig, once for the opening game,” said Cpl. Nate Degler, a clarinet player with the band. “It’s different every time, and that is what I love about it.”

 The Parris Island Marine Band also performed at two entrances to the stadium before the game.  During the pre-game show, band members handed out a variety of Marine Corps souvenirs, such as miniature footballs and bumper stickers.

 “The crowd was very welcoming,” said Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Keith, a french horn player with the band.  “They seemed like they enjoyed the performance.”

 The band was well received by the crowd that gathered around while they played, said Degler, of Gladstone, Ore.

 After the pre-game, the band stayed in the parking lot, practicing for their half time show.

 Once half time was called, a choir began singing “God Bless America.”  Making a big entrance when the song ended, the band went marched down the 50-yard line playing “Semper Fidelis” and the “Marines’ Hymn.”

 “We played really well,” said Lance Cpl. Brandon Johnson, a saxophone player for the band.

 Johnson, of Grand Rapids, Mich., performed at the Dolphins game on the last trip and said the experience was more exciting this time around.

The band was more than satisfied with the way their performances went.

 “Half time went really well,” said Keith, of Portland, Ore.  “We sounded great.”

 After the show, the Marines sat with the crowds in the stadium to watch the end of the game.  At the end of the day, Miami won the game, 25-23.

With the game over, and the crowds’ military appreciation running wild, the band made their way back to the Depot.

 The band is scheduled to return to Florida this weekend to perform at a marching band competition in Tampa Bay.


Marine Corps Training and Education Command