NEW ORLEANS -- From small wide-eyed children to the seasoned elderly, smiles and laughter filled the audience as Marine Band New Orleans gave a holiday performance at the Alario Center, Dec.10, to contribute to the support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
Toys for Tots is an annual toy drive in which Marines partner with their local communities to share the spirit of the holidays with children who otherwise wouldn’t receive gifts. To help build support for this program, Marine Corps resources, such as the band, do what they can to make people aware of the annual drive.
This performance was the final of five concerts in the region. The audience donated about 850 toys for this performance, bringing the total from all five to approximately 6,500.
The night started off with an introduction and thank you by Jefferson Parish president John F. Young, and then the fun began.
The performance itself was divided into two parts.
For the first half, the band put together a theatrical timeline that took the audience on a contemporary musical ride of the band’s year leading up to that present day. They highlighted past events that stood out that year, such as a football game in which they were first introduced to “Crunk,” a style of music made famous by rap artists from America’s southern states. That sound would be a signature mark throughout the performance.
The band had a series of ensembles perform classic songs in an up-tempo New Orleans-style.
Then a 15-minute intermission concluded the first half.
The second half took a more traditional route. The stage had been reset during the intermission with chairs and stands. This portion consisted of a medley of Christmas favorites and classical compositions, such as Carol of the Bells, Gospel Christmas, Merry Latin Christmas and even a Mariah Carey Christmas tribute.
For the finale, the band filed off the stage, into the crowd and played like a New Orleans band on Bourbon Street.
“It feels great…it’s my favorite time of year,” said Sgt. Robin M. Gehman, band leader, platoon sergeant, euphonium player, and the Marine Corps’ musician of the year.
“I love the music, but tonight it’s about the children,” said Gehman.
As much as she loves music and playing, she also understands the true cause of the night, she said. Even if someone couldn’t make the concert, as long as they dropped some type of donation it was all worth while, she said.
“I could sit and listen all day,” said Marilyn A. Mazak, mother of Sgt. Randy L. Mazak, clarinet player. This was her first time ever seeing her son play in person, she said.
“It feels good…real good,” said Mazak, describing how it feels to know that her son does what he loves while supporting a great cause.
A procession of toys followed the concert goers as they left the auditorium to ensure the holiday cheer rallied that night would return Christmas morning.