It is always present at the Cherry Blossom fete and the opening baseball game of the season when the President of the United States throws the first ball. There are also sad occasions such as the funeral of a United States President or some high-ranking government official. Then the Army Band marches slow, playing a funeral march with muted instruments and black-draped, muffled drums. And as a contrast, the U. S. Army Band, flashing its brilliantly polished instruments, marches and plays in Washington’s proudest ceremony, the impressive inaugural pageant.
The U.S.A. marching band, the Concert Band and the chorus are all popular with Washington people and these band units give their services generously. They give regular programs at the Walter Reed hospital and the various other Veterans’ institutions. In the summer the Army Band presents concerts at the Watergate—the floating stage on the Potomac at the foot of Constitution Avenue. The series of winter concerts are held in the Departmental Auditorium. Weekly, on summer evenings, the U.S.A. Band takes its turn—as do the other service bands—in playing for the enthusiastic crowds who gather in the plaza before the East Front of the Capitol.
The mission of the U.S.A. Band is to serve the Army and the people.
CAPTAIN HUGH J. CURRY
Leader of U. S. Army Band
Clear and sweet the tones of a boy’s soprano voice rang out in an age-old Christmas carol, while the class whole-heartedly joined in the chorus. The music period in that third grade school room was a pleasure shared by the pupils and their teacher. They all enjoyed singing with Hugh Curry. And how Hugh liked to sing!
Music occupied a large place in the Curry home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was a great part of the regular family life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Curry were talented musicians. Hugh Curry, Sr., was a well-known amateur violinist as well as a popular singer.
Helen, the daughter of the family, made music her profession. She became the head of the Music Department of Teachers’ College at Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Hugh Curry, Jr., born in 1911, was reared in a fine musical atmosphere. From such a heritage and environment he naturally turned to music. He sang from his earliest years.
Soon the boy wanted to produce other music. Singing was really a part of him, but it was not enough to satisfy him. He begged to be allowed to play an instrument, and at the age of nine he began to study the trumpet. Then as his voice developed, vocal study was added to Hugh’s educational subjects.