Institute Brass travels to Germany

Seven members of the Virginia Military Institute Brass traveled to Munich, Germany, July 9–15 to perform in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Marshall Center in Garmisch. The Institute Brass, consisting of six cadets; two trumpets, a French horn, trombone, and tubist in addition to a bagpiper, performed in and about Garmisch for the Center, at a town park, and for members of the Marshall Center. Cadets attending were Julian Major ’24, Ayden Sanders ’25, Jude Roberts ’25, Noah Chapman ’25, Blake Harrell ’26, and Brandon Geisinger ’26. They were accompanied by Col. John Brodie (Hon) on the seven-day trip. The unit was very well received and performed magnificently, considering it was a summer trip, and the cadets had not been practicing together or had even played together since April.

During the course of the week, the cadets were the most welcome guests at the George Marshall Center under the hospitality of Lt. Col. George Ben Schröder of the German Air Force. The cadets also played concerts in the Kurpark and at the Edelweiss Armed Forces Recreation Center.

Special thanks are extended to Schröder, U.S. Army Col. Jennifer Hayes–Smith, and Col. Adrian T. Bogart III ’81, commandant, for his support in making the trip a reality.