They’re with the (Inauguration) band
MOUNT VERNON – If it’s true that history holds a different perspective for those in the front row, Kira Garlock Wharton ’93 and Max Wharton ’93 have one of the most unique perspectives on the Inauguration of Barack Obama.
They’re with the band.
Actually, they’re with two bands. Kira is the assistant chief librarian for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and supernumerary—essentially a substitute—for the band as well. Max is the associate principal bassoon for The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Both have roles in the upcoming inauguration.
Kira, who will be participating in her second inauguration, will be setting up the stands, music and wind clips for the musicians prior to the inauguration ceremony and will then break them down immediately afterward for the inaugural parade. During the actual inauguration, she will sit in the Marine Band setup directly beneath the presidential podium.
As a supernumerary, Kira also has the opportunity to march in the inauguration parade should any band members find themselves unable to, as one did in rehearsals. Kira, for her part, loved the opportunity to march again.
“I haven’t marched in a couple years,” said Kira. “It’s nice for me to get out and march with the band and see what they do.”
Kira’s marching days go back a ways. She and Max were married shortly after graduation, and both went on to receive doctorates in music performance. Kira specialized in the oboe, while Max played the bassoon. They joined the Army to help pay for college, enlisting with the intention of playing, and marching, for Army bands. Kira performed with the 389th Army Band, Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Md., and the 56th Army Band, Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash.
Max, during this time, auditioned his way into “Pershing’s Own” Army Band, a band that “provides world-class music in support of the leadership of the United States of America to include all branches of government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.”
Basically, he hit the big time.
But it also meant he would be permanently stationed in Washington, D.C. So Kira left the Army after her contract was up to avoid potentially being transferred away. Instead, she found herself applying for a job as a librarian for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band—the band that has provided music for every president since John Adams. The band performs at the executive mansion about 300 times per year—anything from a pianist all the way up to a full orchestra.
Kira credits her Cornell history degree and her military background as giving her a leg up on the position. She also feels Cornell helped prepare her for the pace needed to keep up with presidential music needs.
“I really enjoyed taking one class at a time and focusing on just one class and really having to concentrate,” said Kira. “I think that comes in handy here. We’ll find out about a job commitment a day before and have to put something together like a Hawaiian band very, very quickly. And I learned that at Cornell.”
And on Jan. 20 those skills will be on display as the nation, and likely the world, looks on. Max, meanwhile, will be playing for one of the inaugural balls, as well as for the opening concert at the Lincoln Memorial Jan. 18. He is also a supernumerary.
While the excitement for the rest of the nation centers on the inauguration of the first black president, the view from the front row sees this moment through the lens of people surrounded by history.
“It’s always fun to participate in any of the Presidential inaugurations, because they’re all historic to us. We never play the same thing twice,” said Kira.
