09/08/2021
Please read the recollections of our studio accompanist and clarinetist in the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, Don Hoffman.
Following September 11th, 2001, many “Pershing’s Own” Soldiers remember that as a “quiet” time--a time without music. Our typical missions stopped as the band shifted to assist at the Pentagon. One of the first concerts after that “quiet” time was a concert in New York City for the first responders and rescue workers that heroically worked at Ground Zero. The following are memories of those performances from Sgt. Major Donald Hoffman, clarinetist and Concert Band Element Leader:
“We had previously scheduled a concert for the band to play in NYC at the Lincoln Center that fall. We almost cancelled, but it was decided that we should still go ahead with the performance and honor the fallen, in addition to the first responders and rescue workers that were onsite at the Towers. I honestly don’t remember much about the concert music, but it was an incredible performance atmosphere with the audience – so moving, uplifting, yet also sad.
On that trip, we also took part in the memorial services that were held every Sunday morning at Ground Zero. We traveled in by bus and were able to see the surrounding area covered in rubble and ash from the towers. We had a standing performance of a few tunes right next to the towers, still smoking with pieces of concrete and metal twisted everywhere. Again, I don’t remember much about what we played, but I think it was similar to the music we perform in Arlington National Cemetery for funerals. The main thing I remember about the service was watching grown men crying as we played. It still is the most significant event in my career here in the band. I don’t remember the music, just that the experience was overwhelming.”