As High School Seniors are Named to the 2014 Army Band, NAfME Has Begun Accepting Nominations for 2015

Jay Dineen (left) and Aaron Keer contemplate their selection to the 2014 USAAAMB.

While their fellow students cheering at Athens Drive High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, seniors Aaron Kerr and Jay Dineen were announced as members the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band (USAAAMB).

The Raleigh News & Observer reported that at the ceremony, Athens Drive High band director Jerry Markoch said was proud of the students. He also expressed his gratitude to the Army for providing the students with an opportunity to strive for excellence. “Events like this remind us all of what we deeply want to get out of life,” Markoch said.

Kerr, will play snare drum, while Dineen will play electric bass guitar. Both said previous All-American band members at Athens Drive inspired them during their freshmen year to begin working toward acceptance for the band. “I said, ‘I want that to be me,’ ” Dineen said.

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is the official selection partner of the USAAAMB and partners with title sponsor, the U.S. Army, along with Drum Corps International and All-American Games.

High school seniors chosen for the band demonstrate exceptional musicianship, marching achievement, character, and leadership.

Band directors can nominate their outstanding marching musicians and color guard members for the 2015 band through January 31, 2014. All students who are nominated must be a member of their high school marching band, and on track to graduate in 2015.

In February, students that are nominated for the band will receive correspondence from NAfME with all audition and application instructions.

Instructions will not be released to the general public until March 2014. Nominees for the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band will be listed on the NAfME website, and nominees of NAfME members that complete the application process will receive an official letter and certificate following the application deadline.

Additional information on the band

USAAAMB Facebook page

Photo Courtesy of All-American Games