PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 16, 2024) – When students sign up for military service, the word “musician” does not usually come to mind. However, every arm of the military enlists musicians who represent the U.S. in various capacities: at events, formal meetings with dignitaries, and many other occasions.
Several former Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm members have been selected for various military bands. Alumnus Phillip Smith ’15, a trumpet player from Virginia, is one.
Phillip transferred to Prairie View A&M from Norfolk State University in 2012. It was the same year that PVAMU Director of Bands, Dr. Timmey Zachery, arrived. Always a standout trumpet player, Phillip quickly took on the role of section leader of the trumpet section. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, he auditioned for the U.S. Army Band.
Today, Phillip serves as a Staff Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Band and Chorus. He is the Brass Quintet Leader, Drum Major, Squad Leader and Supply and Logistics NCO.
How did you come to be a student at PVAMU?
I was given the opportunity by Dr. Timmy Zachery. I remember him leaving the Hampton Roads area of Virginia in 2012, and I asked if I could [work] with him at Prairie View A&M University. He said yes, and that choice has changed my life ever since.
What was the best part about being in the Marching Storm and working with Dr. Zachery?
The best part was the camaraderie in the trumpet section/studio. I wasn’t always the best in academia, but most of the trumpet studio was. It was a bit intimidating because everyone was competitive.
When my parents first met Dr. Zachery, he told them I would graduate from college. At the time, I didn’t believe that. I just thought I was going to college to have a good time. Little did I know that Dr. Zachery would be fully invested in my future, which began my journey with music and believing in myself.
How did PVAMU’s Department of Music prepare you for your audition with the Army Band?
I remember Dr. Zack would make us read sight-read marches every day. I didn’t understand why; I just knew that sight-reading was one of my weaknesses, which is humbling if you think about it. Imagine working on something that you’re not good at every day. But the department always challenged me. From piano proficiency, theory, and sight singing, with all these things combined, I was able to use these skills for my audition for the Army.
What have been some of your most significant accomplishments with the Army Band?
In 2021, I was a soloist at the Virginia International Tattoo. At the time, I was a member of the Training and Doctrine Command Band. The show was about World War II, The Greatest Generation, and featured themes from Glenn Miller’s “It’s been a long time.” I was honored to solo in front of over 20,000 people.
At that time, there was a pandemic, and people were getting out of their houses and returning to normal lives. Usually, the Virginia International Tattoo is at the Norfolk Scope, but that year, they made it outdoors at Old Dominion University, ensuring that people could still enjoy music. It was an awesome feeling to share music during the pandemic, and what better way to do it than through military music, showing that the Armed Forces has the American people’s back during those tough times.
What would you tell students considering the Army, or any military band, as a career option?
I would say go for it! It’s an awesome opportunity to play music and get paid for it. The Army is offering student loan repayment of up to $65,000. Also, I would say members of HBCUs should definitely go for it because the same militaristic style seen in many of our HBCU bands is also used in the Army and other military bands. Overall, the Army has afforded me an opportunity to not only take care of myself but to take care of my family, and I’m grateful for it.
A modified version of this story was originally posted at pvamu.edu/marchingstorm.
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