Bandmember finds variety in instruments, activities

By Larry Stevens (U.S. Army Forces Command Public Affairs Office)March 20, 2009

Bandmember finds variety in instruments, activities photo 01
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Rozmarin performs a solo trombone performance during the Army Ground Forces Band's Sousa, Stars and Stripes Forever! concert March 15. The band performed marches composed by "the March King," John Philip Sousa, and classic ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Whether it\'s playing the trombone, Soldiering or competing in 40- and 50-mile trail races, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Rozmarin goes at it full tilt.

Last Sunday he had a chance to demonstrate his zest for doing his best when he played a solo role during the Army Ground Forces Band's Sousa, Stars, and Stripes Forever! concert at the Georgia Tech Ferst Center for the Arts.

Rozmarin played the lively and technically challenging Bluebells of Scotland, a traditional Scottish folk song arranged for trombone by Arthur Pryor, who played with John Philip Sousa's band in the 1890s.

"This piece lets a trombonist really show off his or her expertise. Its difficult jumps and leaps, speed, double tonguing, volume of notes and more make it very demanding," said the Soldier-musician, who returned recently from taking the Army's Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course, at which he was named distinguished honor graduate.

"I hadn't played this piece since I was a senior in high school in 1986, and I was delighted to have the opportunity again to play it," he added.

After high school, the Nebraska native took his bachelor of music degree at Boston University and his master's at the New England Conservatory of Music before joining the Army in 1998.

Rozmarin said he likes being part of Army band program for a number of reasons.

"I get to develop my musicianship by performing regularly and playing a great variety of music. Plus, the Army encourages my physical fitness and leadership development. And it's an honor to serve," he said.

In addition to playing the tenor, bass and alto trombones and the euphonium, Rozmarin also serves as the band's Equal Opportunity representative and its chief of re-enlistment and retention.

Although quite full, Rozmarin's schedule lets him occasionally perform as a substitute trombonist with the Atlanta and Alabama symphony orchestras and to spend time with his wife, Linda Carmona, who is a professional violinist.

The Army Ground Forces Band serves as an outreach asset for U.S. Army Forces Command. The Soldiers assigned to the band have passed a highly selective audition, and most of the band's members have studied music at some of the finest universities and conservatories in the U.S. and abroad.

For more about the band and upcoming performances, go to www.armygroundforces band.com or call 464-5676.