MC Marching Band shows flexibility and perseverance during Fourth of July trip to D.C.

MC's Marching Band performs in front of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

An unprecedented heat wave caused organizers of the America’s 250 Parade to cancel the Independence Day event, but that didn’t stop members of the MC Marching Band from performing in the Nation’s Capital.

When news of the cancellation reached Duval Salvant, MC director of bands, late in the evening before the MC marching band was to represent the state of Mississippi at the parade, he quickly set into motion a new performance schedule for the following day.

“I had to figure out a way to get as many Mississippians in D.C. to come out and see us perform,” Salvant said. “And I had to make the trip worthwhile for the students.”

Salvant quickly got to work considering alternate performance venues, eventually texting everyone he could to meet the band at the iconic U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

In the shadow of the larger-than-life figures hoisting the United States flag at Iwo Jima, the MC Marching Band played the “MC Bicentennial March,” a piece composed by former MC music professor James Sclater, in front of a crowd of spectators.

For band member Andrew Bizon, performing at the memorial made up for the disappointment of missing out on the America’s 250 Parade.

“Many of my family members served in the Marine Corps, so performing in front of that memorial on America’s 250th birthday was very special for me,” said Bizon, a sophomore sports media major from Tupelo who plays the oboe and mallet percussion. “I was thrilled because it felt like I was honoring my family that had served our country.”

It wasn’t the band’s only performance of the day. During the trip, Salvant learned that John Philip Sousa, the world-renowned American composer, conductor and bandmaster known for his iconic military and patriotic marches, was buried at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. 

“I thought it would be nice for us to pay homage to him as a band leader, performer and conductor,” Salvant said.

Taking a cue from the U.S. Marine Band, which traditionally performs at the gravesite on Sousa’s birthday, Salvant decided it would be a meaningful opportunity for the MC marching band as well.

So, the MC marching band repeated its performance of the “MC Bicentennial March” next to Sousa’s grave, a composer whose musical teaching legacy ties directly to Salvant.

“My high school band director, Marty Hurley, was a world-renowned percussionist,” he said. “He was taught by a man named Bobby Thompson, who was taught by a man named Moeller, who was taught by Augustus “Gus” Helnecki, who was the bass drummer for Sousa. So, in my lineage of band directors stands John Philip Sousa.”

Performing at Sousa’s gravesite was also meaningful for Bizon.

“Considering our band is connected to both the military and to Sousa himself, it hit me shortly after we left,” Bizon said. “I like to imagine he was looking down at us, hopefully happy with our performance.”

Members of the MC community, including Interim Provost Stephanie Busbea, as well as several MC alumni and supporters, traveled to D.C. to support the MC Marching Band during their trip.

"Watching our students respond with such flexibility and professionalism, while our alumni and supporters quickly rallied around the band, made me incredibly proud," Busbea said. "They represented Mississippi Christian University with excellence throughout the trip."

Although it wasn’t the original performance schedule the band expected, Bizon said the band members considered the trip well worth the effort.

“Being able to perform at all showed great adaptability by everyone, especially Mr. Salvant,” he said. “We got to see a lot of memorials and monuments, and we all learned a lot. The band feels more connected, and I look forward to what we can do this upcoming year.”

As for Salvant, the trip will be unforgettable.

"We left Mississippi expecting to march in America's 250 Parade, but we came home with incredible memories from two meaningful performances and a renewed appreciation for everything this band can accomplish together," Salvant said.

"Our students represented Mississippi and Mississippi Christian University with excellence, and I couldn't be prouder of the way they embraced every opportunity during this trip."