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U. S. Marine Band director returning to SUNY Potsdam for concert July 14

Posted 7/12/12

POTSDAM -- U.S. Marine Band Director Michael J. Colburn will return to SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music this weekend to conduct a concert and receive an award. The SUNY Potsdam Alumni …

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U. S. Marine Band director returning to SUNY Potsdam for concert July 14

Posted

POTSDAM -- U.S. Marine Band Director Michael J. Colburn will return to SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music this weekend to conduct a concert and receive an award.

The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association will present Colonel Colburn with Honorary Lifetime Membership in a gala reception and awards ceremony, during a reunion weekend.

The commanding officer of “The President’s Own” will guest-conduct a concert featuring the Crane Youth Music Wind Ensemble at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 in Hosmer Concert Hall.

Colburn will work with the select high school student group attending the 39th annual Crane Youth Music camp for young musicians at The Crane School of Music.

Concert works will include John Philip Sousa’s “George Washington Bicentennial March.”

This event is free, and all are welcome to attend.

The Honorary Lifetime Membership Award is presented to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the Alumni Association or the college. While Col. Colburn did not graduate from SUNY Potsdam, he did attend The Crane School of Music during his freshman and sophomore years of college.

As director of the U.S. Marine Band, known as “The President’s Own,” and the Marine Chamber Orchestra, Colburn serves as music advisor to the White House and music director of Washington’s Gridiron Club. As both artistic and executive director for the performing group, Colburn conducts the Marine Band regularly at the White House and at all Presidential Inaugurations.

Col. Colburn is the 27th director of the Marine Band, now in its third century. During his 24 years with “The President’s Own,” Col Colburn has served as principal euphonium, assistant director, and since July 2004, the director.