Navy Band- Kurt Countryman

By Brandon Stender

            Woodbury Central junior Kurt Countryman was selected by Mrs. Wurth, the school's instrumental music teacher, to play the tuba with the United States Navy Band that performed March 29 in Eppley Auditorium at Morningside College. The band is comprised of 56 musicians, all of whom are active duty sailors for the United States Navy. The USNB randomly selects US high schools and then asks their instrumental teachers to submit names of students to perform with it. Kurt was one of 10 area students selected, received the music about a month ago and has been practicing since then. “I was able to play a song called The Washington Post with the USNB,” he says.

            The concert opened with the Navy band playing two songs. “Then the announcer called out our names and we stood up and walked on stage,” Kurt recalls. When Kurt’s name was called, he filled in the seat of a Navy band member. The high school students accompanied the Navy band as they played the music the students had practiced for a month. When it was over, the students all took their bows to the crowd.

            Sioux City is one of the 23 cites in nine states to host a performance by the United States Navy Band during its 2017 tour. “It was an honor to be able to play with such a prestigious band such as the United States Navy and one of the coolest things I have had the chance to do,” Kurt adds.