Pioneer Valley students inspired during live performance of Marine Band

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Hundreds of Pioneer Valley students were entertained Tuesday during a live performance of the Marine Band San Diego.

"We are here in support of a recruiting mission for recruiting station Los Angeles, and what we do is bring music to our schools," said ​​​​​Gunnery Sgt. Justin Lienemann, U.S. Marine Corps. "Music is the universal language. It's a great way to communicate with all walks of life, and we really just want to connect with the students and present opportunities that the Marine Corps has to offer."

Held in the Performing Arts Center, the concert was part of a recruitment effort by the band, which played several songs over the course of about an hour.

"I thought it was pretty cool," said senior Kayla Macias. "It was interesting. I didn't that the Marines had a band. It was interesting finding out they had one, and being able to hear them and and experience them, it was really cool."

Students were thrilled as they listened to contemporary songs, as well as classics, performed by the large ensemble of the highly-skilled musicians.

"Seeing this was very professional," said senior Karen Martinez. "Everything was put together very nicely. It was really energetic. There was a lot of sounds. It was cool."

The band closed with the rousing theme from Star Wars, as well as the familiar Marines' Hymn.

"It was an honor to have them at Pioneer Valley High School," said Mike Regan, coordinator of the school's Military Careers Club. "I want to thank the U.S. Marine Corps for letting us come out."

The band was at the school to help inspire students with live music, as well as inform them of different career paths with the armed forces.

"We do have the infantry and artillery in the combat arms, but also have jobs like mechanics and electricians and military police, pretty much anything you can think of," said Lienemann. "We need to be able to support ourselves, so if you can think of a vocational job, the Marine Corps can offer it."

According to the Marine Corps, the band typically has around 350 commitments each year, including military ceremonies, patriotic performances, plus high school and university clinics across the nation.