The twentieth century will be remembered mostly, not for innovations, but the two largest conflicts in world history. The Great War from 1914 to 1918 was to be the “War to End All Wars,” but within 21 years the world again was involved in a terrible clash. The world still is engaged in a horrible conflict. It is, however, music which seems to have the ability to transcend the quarrel. Many marches have been written to memorialize the battles and military units. [...] Continue Reading…

This interesting article is proof that you never know what you’ll find at the flea market!

A Note about the author, Lt. Justin Thompson: He is an officer serving with the Canadian Forces 4th Air Defense Regiment. He is an artillery officer. This story is very fascinating and has a great deal of human interest. [...] Continue Reading…

We at Altissimo! think it’s only appropriate to recognize those who’ve made a significant contribution to the musical world, and if it’s military music, even better to recorgnize them. This month we’d like to introduce you to someone we think is pretty special. Our contributor, Jack Kopstein, sent us an email about Virginia Allen. [...] Continue Reading…

Check out this great article from CNN.com! If you can’t click it, copy and paste into your web browser:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/11/05/vif2.pilot.trumpet/index.html

It seems hardly possible with all the world strife happening that in 2010 it will be 65 years since the end of World War II. It is even more astonishing that songs we sang and played during the war are still popular and have taken on a complete life of their own. Young people and baby boomers alike have helped to keep the home fires burning, so to speak, with their support of the great “Songs That Won the War.” [...] Continue Reading…

Love the Marine Band? Here’s a detailed look at past and upcoming Fall/Winter 2009 events, including a performance at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House TONIGHT, December 3rd, 2009! [...] Continue Reading…