A harpist in the US Marine Band: Spotlight on CCM alumna Taylor Fleshman
CCM alumna Taylor Fleshman joined "The President's Own" United States Marine Band as the harpist in July 2023. A Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps., Fleshman's role as the Marine Band's harpist includes being a featured soloist when the ensemble performs at the White House and in annual concert tours across the country.
Now more than a year into her tenure in Marine Band, Fleshman (BM Harp, '18) is set to join the ensemble's "Coast to Coast" tour — which stops at CCM on Friday, Oct. 4 for a free concert in Corbett Auditorium. Mulitple CCM alumni are members of "The President's Own" and will return to perform in the concert at CCM, including Courtney Morton (BM Flute, '04), Samuel Barlow (MM Trombone, '03), Cecilia Kozlowski (MM Horn, '10) and Zachary Gauvain (MM Clarinet, '11). Additional CCM alumni band members include Hiram Diaz (BM Euphonium, '07), Charles Paul (BM Horn, '02), Elisabeth Plunk (BM Flute, '01), William Bernier (MM Clarinet, '00), Brent Proseus (MM Jazz Studies, '22) and Jennifer Paul (MM Horn, '03).
"Connecting with fellow CCM alums in the Marine Band has been a joy," Fleshman says. "It is like coming full circle, sharing a unique bond from our time at CCM while working together in such a prestigious ensemble."
Read more about Fleshman's experience with the band in our Q & A:
When did you win your current job? Can you tell us about the audition process?
Taylor Fleshman. Photo/Provided.
Fleshman: I won the position in March 2023, but I didn’t officially enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps until June 8 of that year. The audition for "The President’s Own" is very similar to those of professional orchestras. The audition day consisted of two rounds of performing, all of which were blind, with candidates being called by their assigned number. The repertoire included 26 excerpts, mostly from band literature, two standard harp solos, a chamber piece to be performed with a band member and a popular solo.
The only difference between this audition and others I’ve taken was the addition of an interview round. We were interviewed before the finals to discuss any health or security clearance issues that might affect our ability to be enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After the audition results were announced that same day and I accepted the position, I met with a recruiter near my hometown, who guided me through the enlistment process. This process included obtaining security clearance and going to MEPS (Military Enlistment Processing Stations), where I underwent medical, physical and aptitude evaluations over two days. Once all my paperwork was completed and approved, I was able to take the oath and enlist right away without attending recruit training. Members of “The President’s Own” have no secondary combat role and are already fully trained to perform their primary mission, which is “to perform music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.”
How has your first year been with the Marine Band?
Fleshman: It has been an incredible first year! My favorite part is the variety of jobs we perform. We play in standard concert settings with the band, chamber orchestra and chamber ensembles. We also perform outdoor concerts featuring pop and jazz tunes, engage in educational outreach and concerts at schools locally and across the country during our month-long national tour, and provide background music for White House receptions and State Dinners. The location, environment and music are always different, which is what I love most. My favorite experiences have been performing at White House events. It’s an honor to serve my country in this capacity.
Taylor Fleshman performing with the US Marine Band. Photo/Provided
Can you share a favorite memory/learning experience from while you were a student at CCM?
Fleshman: My favorite experiences were our harp studio classes. My colleagues consistently supported one another, always ready to help and offer encouragement. They were focused and driven but also knew how to share a laugh, which made the environment both inspiring and enjoyable. Their influence extended beyond my musical career, impacting my personal life as well. Additionally, [CCM Harp Professor] Gillian Sella brought profound insight into orchestral repertoire, chamber works and solo pieces. She not only demonstrated excellence in her own performances but also taught me how to achieve it in my own playing.
Do you have any advice for current music students?
Fleshman: Give 110% in every audition, competition and concert. Mentally prepare and practice your parts away from the instrument in addition to your physical practice and simulate what the performance day will be like. You should feel confident that you have done everything possible in terms of preparation — be honest with yourself! Also, remember that your music journey may differ from others’ — there is not only one linear path to success in the music world.
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