Charleston, WV (12/1/2009) – Ray Kishi of George Washington High School, Charleston, WV, has been selected to be a member of the third-annual U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, an honor celebrating the values and strengths these standouts share with Army Strong Soldiers. Kishi will join a group of elite marching musicians selected to perform in the 10th Anniversary of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl half-time show on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
“The U.S. Army has a long musical history with more than 34 musical and performing groups,” said Col. Derik Crotts, Deputy Chief of Staff, G7, U.S. Army Accessions Command. “Being an Army musician is just one option the All-American Bowl showcases to young Americans. The mental, emotional and physical qualities necessary to be a successful musician are the same qualities mirrored in Army Strong Soldiers. We are proud to honor all of our U.S. Army All-American Band musicians and congratulate them on their selection.”
The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band recognizes the top 97 high school senior marching musicians from across the country and showcases their talents during the largest celebration of high school football in America, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is the country’s premier high school football event, featuring the nation’s top 90 high school football players and telecast live on NBC.
For 10 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has served as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, and Terrelle Pryor all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans. Last year the U.S. Army All-American Bowl drew more than 32,000 fans to the game at the Alamodome along with being the most watched sporting event on television over the weekend, besides the NFL Playoffs. Last spring, eight alumni of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Members of the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band have marched in many top Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International groups as well as participating in high level state ensembles.
The selected musicians were chosen by the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band Selection Committee, consisting of The National Association for Music Education (MENC), Drum Corps International (DCI), Head Director and Show Coordinator Nola Jones, and SportsLink.
The U.S. Army Accessions Command, headquartered at Ft. Monroe, Va., is charged with providing integrated command and control of the recruiting and initial military training for the Army's officer, warrant officer, and enlisted forces. Designed to meet the human resource needs of the Army from first handshake to first unit of assignment, the command transforms volunteers into Soldiers and leaders for the Army.
For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and its related events visit www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com & www.goarmy.com/events/aab. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is owned by SportsLink, a New Jersey-based sport marketing and event management company. Other national sponsors include Degree Deodorant, MENC, DCI, DeMoulin, Jupiter Band Instruments Inc., San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, Choice Hotels, and Gatorade.
