On
Tuesday, Nov. 12 world-renowned, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Woodrow “Woody” English will perform as a soloist with the Charlotte High School Symphony Band and the Charlotte Middle School Cadet Band I. This free concert is planned as a commemoration of Veterans Day and the entire community is warmly invited to attend — especially our local veterans.
English spent the first 14 years of his career in the ceremonial component of the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” as well as The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets. While a member of these ensembles, SGM English took part in events that greatly impacted the nation, including the funeral of General of the Army Omar Bradley, the 1977 Camp David Peace Accords hosted by President Jimmy Carter, and the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Calif. In 1991 he was named Principal Solo Trumpet of The U.S. Army Concert Band and assumed the role as the organization’s Special Bugler. In this capacity, SGM English stood as a symbol of excellence of the premier performing ensemble of the nation’s senior service for nearly 20 years, and performed at burials and memorials for some of the most prominent Americans in our history including President Ronald Reagan.
SGM English is immortalized by the recording used in a “digital” bugle played at veteran’s funerals every day around the country. He retired from the US Army Band in 2010. A native of Coldwater, Mich., he attended high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy before graduating from Eastern Michigan University. SGM English will also be a clinician during the school day on Nov. 11 for Charlotte Public Schools students, working with band students at all levels and the members of the Charlotte High School Bugler Corps.
This event and the appearance of SGM English are made possible by donations from local veterans and arts organizations including the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, Friends of the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, and the Charlotte Band Boosters. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center. Admission is free.
