Tubist Paul Mergen served a distinguished career in the United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own,” in Washington, DC. He played for State dinners at the White House, memorial services and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and numerous tours to every corner of our vast nation. Paul is part of a more than two-century tradition that began with an act of Congress establishing the band in 1798, thus making it the oldest professional musical organization in the US. Paul has seen some things… but they’re mostly all classified. So, we’ll content ourselves with the parts he can share, which is plenty!
You might wonder how many times Paul has played our national anthem, The Stars and Stripes Forever or The Washington Post March. We’ll find out! And you might wonder what a tuba is doing all by itself, center stage at a chamber music festival. Of that, I am certain you will find with great pleasure exactly why. His repertoire spans devotional early music to modern experimental music. Paul is a musician of the highest order. And he outranks me. And he was my college roommate and best man. You’re in for a treat!
All selections will be announced from the stage.
Artists: Paul Mergen, tuba; TBD, piano