On the evening of June 10, our museum certainly hosted a memorable event. Guest speaker Kurt Dupuis, a graduate of Spaulding High School in 1985, shared with us the lengthy story of his service in The President’s Own Marine Band, originally designated at its inception by Thomas Jefferson in 1803. This particular Marine Band is the premier musical ensemble that represents our nation by providing entertainment at the White House, as well as on tours across the country and abroad.

The evening was very warm, and electric fans blurred the vocal clarity at times as he spoke, but the portable microphone helped listeners a great deal. A window beyond Rochester became opened to us, and its vibrant air enabled us to see photographs of historical significance. Some famous names that have become associated with the Marine Band appeared on screen as Kurt explained their connections to this great American band: John Philip Sousa, Leonard Bernstein, Walter Cronkite, Yo-Yo Ma, John Williams, and Lady Diana Spencer, to name just a few. Topping the list, of course, were the six United States Presidents under whom Kurt served. Interesting tidbits of personal information were shared with us, ranging from President Clinton’s strong interest in the Band (he played saxophone himself and could read music) to George W. Bush’s humor and his lack of enthusiasm for hearing “Hail to the Chief” played each time he entered the room.

Portions of Kurt’s presentation involved trips to distant locations, both national and international, during which we got to see the mighty mountains of our vast West and the massive cathedrals of Europe. At all times, no matter where the Band played, the appearance of the U.S. Marine Band captured the imagination of people everywhere as one of the foremost representatives of this great country of ours, which has now survived for 250 years. Music and its melodies may be ephemeral and seem to vanish into the timeless air, but the record of them lives on and is continually revived by the talented musicians who give famous themes new life.

Kurt, in his characteristic humility, saw himself as a mere single person in The President’s Own Marine Band, but we all were left with the overwhelming sensation: what an important single person he was. He served as principal trumpet for many years. He stated at the outset of the evening’s event that he was honored to be back in the community which encouraged and nurtured him and was pleased to be invited back so that he could give us something in return. He did so in a speaking style that was witty, sincere, and deeply meaningful. The hard work, which often involved playing in terribly foul weather conditions and required intensive discipline, was shown to us many times during the presentation. It reminded us of an eternal truth: great achievements in life are not merely lottery-like occurrences. They are accomplished through determination, hard work, and definite purpose.

When we left his presentation that evening, we were encouraged to think that this nation will indeed be able to endure another 250 years, thanks to men and women of noble spirit and energy. It began in 1776. It continues on and thrives right up to the current moment. The best and finest that this nation has accomplished in so many ways will be replicated again and again, like a pebble cast into a great lake of eternity. Its ripples will wash upon the shores of the future.

As the evening concluded, Kurt was greeted warmly by an audience that had been clearly moved by all they had seen: from the glory to the hard work, and back to the hard work again which lies ahead. (Kurt has been offered a higher position with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.) People came to see him through school connections. Members of the public were simply grateful to meet him. A young boy who currently plays the trumpet spoke with him. He spoke warmly of my personal friendship with him over the years, and it moved me deeply. I thanked him with profound honor and gratitude for visiting us and making the lengthy trip necessary to do this for The Rochester Historical Society and the members of the public.

Sincerely,

Ralph Montgomery
RHS President